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Tourani M, Brøste EN, Bakken S, Odden J, Bischof R. Sooner, closer, or longer: detectability of mesocarnivores at camera traps. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Tourani
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - E. N. Brøste
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - S. Bakken
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - J. Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Oslo Norway
| | - R. Bischof
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
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Smith JA, Suraci JP, Hunter JS, Gaynor KM, Keller CB, Palmer MS, Atkins JL, Castañeda I, Cherry MJ, Garvey PM, Huebner SE, Morin DJ, Teckentrup L, Weterings MJA, Beaudrot L. Zooming in on mechanistic predator-prey ecology: Integrating camera traps with experimental methods to reveal the drivers of ecological interactions. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:1997-2012. [PMID: 32441766 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Camera trap technology has galvanized the study of predator-prey ecology in wild animal communities by expanding the scale and diversity of predator-prey interactions that can be analysed. While observational data from systematic camera arrays have informed inferences on the spatiotemporal outcomes of predator-prey interactions, the capacity for observational studies to identify mechanistic drivers of species interactions is limited. Experimental study designs that utilize camera traps uniquely allow for testing hypothesized mechanisms that drive predator and prey behaviour, incorporating environmental realism not possible in the laboratory while benefiting from the distinct capacity of camera traps to generate large datasets from multiple species with minimal observer interference. However, such pairings of camera traps with experimental methods remain underutilized. We review recent advances in the experimental application of camera traps to investigate fundamental mechanisms underlying predator-prey ecology and present a conceptual guide for designing experimental camera trap studies. Only 9% of camera trap studies on predator-prey ecology in our review use experimental methods, but the application of experimental approaches is increasing. To illustrate the utility of camera trap-based experiments using a case study, we propose a study design that integrates observational and experimental techniques to test a perennial question in predator-prey ecology: how prey balance foraging and safety, as formalized by the risk allocation hypothesis. We discuss applications of camera trap-based experiments to evaluate the diversity of anthropogenic influences on wildlife communities globally. Finally, we review challenges to conducting experimental camera trap studies. Experimental camera trap studies have already begun to play an important role in understanding the predator-prey ecology of free-living animals, and such methods will become increasingly critical to quantifying drivers of community interactions in a rapidly changing world. We recommend increased application of experimental methods in the study of predator and prey responses to humans, synanthropic and invasive species, and other anthropogenic disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine A Smith
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Justin P Suraci
- Environmental Studies Department, Center for Integrated Spatial Research, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Hunter
- Hastings Natural History Reservation, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Gaynor
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Carson B Keller
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Meredith S Palmer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Justine L Atkins
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Irene Castañeda
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO UMR 7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, Paris, France.,Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR CNRS 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Michael J Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Huebner
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Dana J Morin
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA
| | - Lisa Teckentrup
- BioMove Research Training Group, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Martijn J A Weterings
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Wildlife Management, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Lydia Beaudrot
- Department of BioSciences, Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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Edwards MC, Hoy JM, FitzGibbon SI, Murray PJ. Relaxed predation theory: size, sex and brains matter. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:153-161. [PMID: 32441454 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Australia's wildlife is being considerably impacted by introduced mammalian predators such as cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is often attributed to native wildlife being naïve to these introduced predators. A systematic review of the literature reveals that native metatherians (body mass range 0.02-25 kg) do not recognise, and show relaxed antipredator behaviours towards, native and some introduced mammalian predators. Native eutherians (all with body mass < 2 kg), however, do appear to recognise and exhibit antipredator behaviours towards both native and introduced predators. Based on our findings, we propose a novel theory, the 'Relaxed Predation Theory'. Our new theory is based on the absence of large mammalian predators leading to reduced predation pressure in Australia during the past 40000-50000 years, and on three key differences between Australian metatherians and eutherians: size, sex, and brains. In light of this Relaxed Predation Theory, we make a number of recommendations for the conservation of Australian wildlife: (i) predator avoidance training of suitable species; (ii) exclusion fencing to exclude some, but not all, predators to facilitate the development of antipredator behaviours; (iii) captive breeding programs to prevent the extinction of some species; and (iv) reintroduction of Australia's larger predators, potentially to compete with and displace introduced predators. A more detailed understanding of the responses of Australian mammals to predators will hopefully contribute to the improved conservation of susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Edwards
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia.,Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, 617 Grandchester Mount-Mort Road, Grandchester, 4340, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia M Hoy
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, 617 Grandchester Mount-Mort Road, Grandchester, 4340, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sean I FitzGibbon
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Murray
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia
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Andersen GE, Johnson CN, Jones ME. Space use and temporal partitioning of sympatric Tasmanian devils and spotted‐tailed quolls. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E. Andersen
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Private Bag 55 Hobart Tasmania7001Australia
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Private Bag 55 Hobart Tasmania7001Australia
- School of Biological Sciences and Australian research Council Centre for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Private Bag 55 Hobart Tasmania7001Australia
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Andersen GE, Johnson CN, Barmuta LA, Jones ME. Dietary partitioning of Australia's two marsupial hypercarnivores, the Tasmanian devil and the spotted-tailed quoll, across their shared distributional range. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188529. [PMID: 29176811 PMCID: PMC5703475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia's native marsupial fauna has just two primarily flesh-eating 'hypercarnivores', the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) which coexist only on the island of Tasmania. Devil populations are currently declining due to a fatal transmissible cancer. Our aim was to analyse the diet of both species across their range in Tasmania, as a basis for understanding how devil decline might affect the abundance and distribution of quolls through release from competition. We used faecal analysis to describe diets of one or both species at 13 sites across Tasmania. We compared diet composition and breadth between the two species, and tested for geographic patterns in diets related to rainfall and devil population decline. Dietary items were classified into 6 broad categories: large mammals (≥ 7.0kg), medium-sized mammals (0.5-6.9kg), small mammals (< 0.5kg), birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Diet overlap based on prey-size category was high. Quoll diets were broader than devils at all but one site. Devils consumed more large and medium-sized mammals and quolls more small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Medium-sized mammals (mainly Tasmanian pademelon Thylogale billardierii), followed by large mammals (mainly Bennett's wallaby Macropus rufogriseus) and birds, were the most important prey groups for both species. Diet composition varied across sites, suggesting that both species are flexible and opportunistic foragers, but was not related to rainfall for devils. Quolls included more large mammals but fewer small mammals and invertebrates in their diet in the eastern drier parts of Tasmania where devils have declined. This suggests that a competitive release of quolls may have occurred and the substantial decline of devils has provided more food in the large-mammal category for quolls, perhaps as increased scavenging opportunities. The high diet overlap suggests that if resources become limited in areas of high devil density, interspecific competition could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E. Andersen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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