Density-dependent processes are fundamental mechanisms for the regulation of populations. Ecological theories differ in their predictions on whether increasing population density leads to individual adjustments of survival and reproductive output or to dominance and monopolization of resources. Here, we use a natural experiment to examine which factors limit population growth in the only remaining population of the endangered pale-headed brush finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps). For three distinct phases (a phase of population suppression, 2001-2002; expansion due to conservation management, 2003-2008; and equilibrium phase, 2009-2014), we estimated demographic parameters with an integrated population model using population size, the proportion of successfully breeding pairs and their productivity, territory size, and mark-recapture data of adult birds. A low proportion of successful breeders due to brood parasitism (0.42, 95% credible interval 0.26-0.59) limited population growth before 2003; subsequent culling of the brood parasite resulted in a two-fold increase of the proportion of successful breeders during the 'expansion phase'. When the population approached the carrying capacity of its habitat, territory size declined by more than 50% and fecundity declined from 1.9 (1.54-2.27) to 1.3 (1.12-1.53) chicks per breeding pair, but the proportion of successful breeders remained constant (expansion phase: 0.85; 0.76-0.93; equilibrium phase: 0.86; 0.79-0.92). This study demonstrates that limiting resources can lead to individual adjustments instead of despotic behavior, and the individual reduction of reproductive output at high population densities is consistent with the slow life-history of many tropical species.
Keywords: Carrying capacity; Cowbird parasitism; Density-dependence; Integrated population model; Population regulation.