scholarly journals Habitat selection when killing primary versus alternative prey species supports prey specialization in an apex predator

2019 ◽  
Vol 309 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Cristescu ◽  
S. Bose ◽  
L. M. Elbroch ◽  
M. L. Allen ◽  
H. U. Wittmer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Prey Specialization

scholarly journals Habitat selection when killing primary versus alternative prey species supports prey specialization in an apex predator

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Cristescu ◽  
S Bose ◽  
LM Elbroch ◽  
ML Allen ◽  
Heiko Wittmer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Apparent Competition ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus Columbianus ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Selection Of

© 2019 The Zoological Society of London Many predators specialize on one or several prey species that they select from the range of potential prey. Predator specialization on primary versus alternative prey is driven in part by encounter rates with prey and a predator’s habitat selection. Although habitat selection changes with behavioural state, this has not been well-recognized in the resource selection function (RSF) literature to date, often because auxiliary data on the predator’s behavioural states (e.g. hunting) are absent. We monitored habitat selection of pumas Puma concolor in a multi-prey system in northern California, where pumas specialized on black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. We employed multiple RSF analyses on different datasets to test the following three hypotheses: (1) Pumas utilize habitats in proportion to their availability; (2) Pumas select specific habitat features when killing black-tailed deer, their primary prey; (3) Pumas do not select distinct habitats from those identified under hypothesis 1 when killing alternative prey. We found that pumas in our study selected for specific habitats and habitat features in general, but that their selection was more pronounced when killing black-tailed deer. In summer, kill sites of deer were associated with rugged terrain, but gentle slopes and northerly aspects. In winter, pumas killed deer at low elevations, on gentle slopes and on northerly and westerly aspects. Overall, evidence suggested that pumas tracked their primary prey across seasonal migrations, which were short in distance but resulted in pronounced changes in elevation. When killing alternative prey, pumas showed little evidence of habitat selection, suggesting they may kill alternative prey opportunistically. Our results hold implications for how data should be partitioned when modelling baseline habitat selection of predators, hunting habitat selection and predation risk for prey species, as well as for how we model ecological processes such as apparent competition.

scholarly journals Habitat selection when killing primary versus alternative prey species supports prey specialization in an apex predator

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Cristescu ◽  
S Bose ◽  
LM Elbroch ◽  
ML Allen ◽  
Heiko Wittmer
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Apparent Competition ◽  
Selection Function ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus Columbianus ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Selection Of

© 2019 The Zoological Society of London Many predators specialize on one or several prey species that they select from the range of potential prey. Predator specialization on primary versus alternative prey is driven in part by encounter rates with prey and a predator’s habitat selection. Although habitat selection changes with behavioural state, this has not been well-recognized in the resource selection function (RSF) literature to date, often because auxiliary data on the predator’s behavioural states (e.g. hunting) are absent. We monitored habitat selection of pumas Puma concolor in a multi-prey system in northern California, where pumas specialized on black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. We employed multiple RSF analyses on different datasets to test the following three hypotheses: (1) Pumas utilize habitats in proportion to their availability; (2) Pumas select specific habitat features when killing black-tailed deer, their primary prey; (3) Pumas do not select distinct habitats from those identified under hypothesis 1 when killing alternative prey. We found that pumas in our study selected for specific habitats and habitat features in general, but that their selection was more pronounced when killing black-tailed deer. In summer, kill sites of deer were associated with rugged terrain, but gentle slopes and northerly aspects. In winter, pumas killed deer at low elevations, on gentle slopes and on northerly and westerly aspects. Overall, evidence suggested that pumas tracked their primary prey across seasonal migrations, which were short in distance but resulted in pronounced changes in elevation. When killing alternative prey, pumas showed little evidence of habitat selection, suggesting they may kill alternative prey opportunistically. Our results hold implications for how data should be partitioned when modelling baseline habitat selection of predators, hunting habitat selection and predation risk for prey species, as well as for how we model ecological processes such as apparent competition.

scholarly journals Different alternative diets within two subgroups in a winter roost of long-eared owls

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
Filip Tulis ◽  
Tomáš Veselovský ◽  
Simon Birrer
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Common Vole ◽  
Wood Mouse ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
The Common

Abstract In winter 2013/2014 a roost of long-eared owls in Bojnice Spa (central Slovakia) was formed by two subgroups situated 12 meters apart from each other. The diets of both subgroups and the direction of the owls’ departure from the roost were studied at monthly intervals. Owls of the Pinus-subgroup left the roost in a significantly different direction compared with the owls in the Picea-subgroup. The common vole was the most hunted prey in both subgroups. However, comparing the alternative prey of the two subgroups, the wood mouse and other mammals were found significantly more often in pellets of the Picea-sub-group, whereas birds were more frequent in pellets of the Pinus-subgroup. Our results suggest that the different prey hunted by the two subgroups may be a consequence of diverging hunting areas with different availability of alternative prey species.

scholarly journals The effect of macrophytic cover on survival of Palaemonetes pugio and P. vulgaris (grass shrimp) in the presence of predatory Fundulus heteroclitus (killifish)

2001 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry C. Merchant ◽  
Ritindra N. Khan ◽  
Robert E. Knowlton
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Green Alga ◽  
Fundulus Heteroclitus ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Grass Shrimp ◽  
Predation Pressure ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Palaemonetes Pugio ◽  
Shrimp Species

Effects of three different macrophytic covers and the presence of alternative prey on survival of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio and P. vulgaris) subjected to predation by killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) were studied in the laboratory. Overall, survival of P. vulgaris was significantly greater (82%) than that of P. pugio (70%). This difference in survival was attributed to the greater tendency of P. pugio to swim outside the covers, making it more vulnerable to predation. Both prey species responded similarly to the different cover conditions. Survival without cover (gravel substrate) was 48%. In cover provided by a plastic plant made to resemble Ambulia, 75% of the starting population survived. In cover furnished by field-collected specimens of the flat chlorophyte, Ulva, survival was 71%, compared to 98% survival in the branched green alga, Codium. Predation pressure on neither species was significantly enhanced or diminished by the presence of a second prey species. For both grass shrimp species, increased survival in Codium in the presence of the predator was attributed to the physically more complex nature of this macrophytic cover.

scholarly journals Diet and breeding habitat preferences of White-tailed Eagles in a northern inland environment

Polar Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 2071-2084
Author(s):  
Camilla Ekblad ◽  
Hannu Tikkanen ◽  
Seppo Sulkava ◽  
Toni Laaksonen
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Peat Bogs ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Reindeer Herding ◽  
Terrestrial Habitat ◽  
Reindeer Husbandry ◽  
Prey Composition

AbstractMany apex predator populations are recolonizing old areas and dispersing to new ones, with potential consequences for their prey species and for livestock. An increasing population of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) has settled north of the Arctic Circle in northern Finland, mainly at two big water reservoirs but also in areas with mainly terrestrial habitat. We examined nesting habitat preferences and prey use of White-tailed Eagles in this environment, where reindeer husbandry is a traditional livelihood and concerns are rising that the growing White-tailed Eagle population poses a threat to reindeer calves. Lakes, peat bogs, and marshlands were preferred habitats in the nesting territories. Fish constituted 64.3% of the identified prey items, with birds accounting for 28.5% and mammals 7.2%. The nesting territory habitat within a 10 km radius and the latitude influenced the prey composition at both the group and species level. The occurrence of reindeer calves as prey increased with latitude but was not associated with any habitat. Knowledge of the diet and territory preferences can be used to predict future dispersal and local prey use of this species. Nesting White-tailed Eagles do not seem to pose a threat to traditional reindeer herding, but further research is needed regarding non-breeding sub-adults and whether the White-tailed Eagles actually kill reindeer calves or simply exploit their carcasses.

scholarly journals Space use and habitat selection of an invasive mesopredator and sympatric, native apex predator

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Wysong ◽  
Bronwyn A. Hradsky ◽  
Gwenllian D. Iacona ◽  
Leonie E. Valentine ◽  
Keith Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Selection Of

Effects of puma on the diversity and composition of Neotropical mammals

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
Crasso Paulo B. Breviglieri ◽  
John W. Laundré ◽  
Gustavo Q. Romero
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Mammal Community

Abstract:Prey seek to minimize predation risk by moving across the landscape in search of safer areas. Yet, these movements are associated with risks that depend on the intrinsic attributes of the species involved. We evaluated the effect of presence of an apex predator (Puma concolor) on the composition of a community of medium and large-bodied terrestrial mammal species in 23 forest fragments in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, based on overnight footprint surveys over 2 y. We tested if (1) presence of the puma decreases species richness (prey and mesopredator), (2) landscape features interact with puma effects, altering the composition and richness of prey, (3) darker nights strengthen the predation risk effects of puma and (4) this effect can vary among prey species. The puma reduced the richness of prey species by ~45% and presence of mesopredator by 11%. Larger forest fragments and darker nights strengthened the effects of puma on the mammal community. Most prey species showed negative associations with the apex predator, while others were unaffected or showed a positive association. These results add new knowledge about the effects of predation risk and of the landscape characteristics on the composition of the mammal community and the behaviour of different species. Furthermore, our results indicate that medium and large mammals live in a landscape of fear in Neotropical forest remnants.

Seasonal changes in depth distribution of salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis) in Alaskan waters: implications for foraging ecology

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (11) ◽  
pp. 1905-1921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron B. Carlisle ◽  
Christopher R. Perle ◽  
Kenneth J. Goldman ◽  
Barbara A. Block
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Depth Distribution ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Gulf Of Alaska ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Commercially Important ◽  
High Degree

The salmon shark, Lamna ditropis, is an endothermic, apex predator in the productive waters of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). To understand their role in these productive habitats and to identify and better understand their interactions with commercially important species and fisheries, detailed information regarding the distribution of the salmon shark is required. Archival data records from eight recovered pop-up archival transmitting (PAT) tags were analyzed to examine the geographic and vertical distribution of female salmon sharks and elucidate how their distribution changes in relation to the biotic and abiotic environment. Tagged sharks used the neritic habitats of the GOA for the duration of the PAT deployments. Sharks exhibited a diel periodicity in their dive behavior. Salmon sharks exhibited three different patterns of depth distribution (behavioral modes) that occurred during distinct oceanographic seasons, likely reflecting changes in their foraging ecology in response to seasonal changes in the distribution and availability of important prey. The distribution of salmon sharks in the GOA appears to follow consistent patterns and has a high degree of geographical and vertical overlap with commercially important prey species. This information increases our understanding of interactions between salmon sharks and commercial fisheries and may assist in fostering responsible management for this species.

Spatiotemporal pattern of interactions between an apex predator and sympatric species

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 1279-1288
Author(s):  
Marta Prat-Guitart ◽  
David P Onorato ◽  
James E Hines ◽  
Madan K Oli
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Spatiotemporal Pattern ◽  
Apex Predator ◽  
Florida Panther

Abstract Increases in apex predator abundance can influence the behavior of sympatric species, particularly when the available habitat and/or resources are limited. We assessed the temporal and spatiotemporal interactions between Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) and six focal sympatric species in South Florida, where Florida panther abundance has increased by more than 6-fold since the 1990’s. Using camera trap data, we quantified species’ diel activity patterns, temporal overlap, and time-to-encounter (i.e., time between consecutive visits of a Florida panther and a focal species and vice versa). The Florida panther and bobcat (Lynx rufus) displayed a nocturnal activity pattern; the black bear (Ursus americanus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) were mostly diurnal; and the raccoon (Procyon lotor) was cathemeral. Prey species and black bears minimized encounters with Florida panthers by being active during the day and displaying longer time-to-encounter, whereas Florida panthers visited a site after a prey species at higher probabilities than after competitor species, and were more likely to visit an elevated site or upland habitat. Our results suggest that interactions between Florida panthers and sympatric species in our study system are driven by species-specific behavioral responses. Gaining a better understanding of the crucial interactions driving species coexistence is important for a better understanding of the structure and function of ecological communities and help manage the potential expansion of the Florida panther into Central Florida.

scholarly journals Age and sex differences in numerical responses, dietary shifts, and total responses of a generalist predator to population dynamics of main prey

Oecologia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 192 (3) ◽  
pp. 699-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Masoero ◽  
Toni Laaksonen ◽  
Chiara Morosinotto ◽  
Erkki Korpimäki
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Predator Population ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Sex Composition ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Dietary Shifts ◽  
Age And Sex

AbstractFluctuations in the abundance of main prey species might shape animal communities, by inducing numerical responses and dietary shifts in predators. Whether numerical responses and dietary shifts differ among individuals of different age and sex has so far gained little attention. These differences could affect how much predators consume main and alternative prey, thus causing variation in predation pressure on main and alternative prey species. We studied the effect of fluctuating main prey abundance (voles) in autumn on the age and sex composition of a food-hoarding population of Eurasian pygmy owls Glaucidium passerinum (327 individuals), and on the species composition of their food stores in western Finland during 2003–2017 (629 food stores). Numbers of yearlings (< 1-year old) of both sexes and adult (+ 1-year old) females increased with increasing vole abundance. During low vole abundance, adult owls stored more small birds and less small mammals than yearlings. Females stored more small mammals than males and showed a tendency to store less birds. The amount of consumed birds (the most important alternative prey), and in particular of crested, willow, great, and blue tits, increased with low vole densities. Our results show that numerical, functional, and total responses of pygmy owls, and probably also other vertebrate predators, to the availability of the main prey in winter are shaped by the age and sex composition of the predator population, which both show large spatio-temporal variation in boreal forests.

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