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Buzan E, Potočnik H, Pokorny B, Potušek S, Iacolina L, Gerič U, Urzi F, Kos I. Molecular analysis of scats revealed diet and prey choice of grey wolves and Eurasian lynx in the contact zone between the Dinaric Mountains and the Alps. Front Zool 2024; 21:9. [PMID: 38500207 PMCID: PMC10949697 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-024-00530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the dietary habits of carnivores is essential to get ecological insights into their role in the ecosystem, potential competition with other carnivorous species, and their effect on prey populations. Genetic analysis of non-invasive samples, such as scats, can supplement behavioural or microscopic diet investigations. The objective of this study was to employ DNA metabarcoding to accurately determine the prey species in grey wolf (Canis lupus) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) scat samples collected in the Julian Alps and the Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. The primary prey of wolves were red deer (Cervus elaphus) (detected in 96% scat samples), European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (68%), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) (45%). A smaller portion of their diet consisted of mesocarnivores, small mammals, and domestic animals. In contrast, the lynx diet mostly consisted of European roe deer (82%) and red deer (64%). However, small mammals and domestic animals were also present in lynx diet, albeit to a lesser extent. Our findings indicate that the dietary habits of wolves and lynx are influenced by geographical location. Snapshot dietary analyses using metabarcoding are valuable for comprehending the behaviour and ecology of predators, and for devising conservation measures aimed at sustainable management of both their natural habitats and prey populations. However, to gain a more detailed understanding of wolf and lynx dietary habits and ecological impact, it would be essential to conduct long-term genetic monitoring of their diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Buzan
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, Trg mladosti 7, 3320, Velenje, Slovenia
| | - Hubert Potočnik
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, Trg mladosti 7, 3320, Velenje, Slovenia
- Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sandra Potušek
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Laura Iacolina
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Urška Gerič
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Felicita Urzi
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia.
| | - Ivan Kos
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Alés RG, Acosta JC, Blanco G, Galdeano AP. Effects of habitat perturbation on lizard assemblages in the center-west of the Arid Chaco region, Argentina. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20200927. [PMID: 37646706 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320200927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Several human disturbances contribute to the decrease of vertebrate species' richness and abundance, altering the processes of an ecosystem. We evaluate richness, diversity and relative abundance of species for lizard assemblages at sites with different degrees of perturbation in the center-west of the Arid Chaco region in Argentina. Between 2015 and 2018, six lizard assemblages were sampled monthly -using pitfall traps- in three areas of the Chaco, with a perturbed and an unperturbed (control) replica at each of the areas: (1) Chaco Mountain plain, (2) Chaco Mountain slope, and (3) Chaco Plains, and habitat characteristics of each study site were recorded. We captured 1446 lizards, belonging to 12 species. The perturbed area at the Chaco Mountain plain showed the greatest richness, diversity and abundance of species. In the perturbed Chaco Plains, species abundance decreased by about 50% with respect to the control site. Liolaemus chacoensis was the dominant species at all sites. Some species could be negatively affected by a total loss of arboreal strata, tree trunks and fallen leaves. Structural parameters of lizard assemblages were related to the habitat characteristics; therefore, these results provide information for the conservation and management of lands and lizard assemblages in the Arid Chaco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Gómez Alés
- DIBIOVA (Gabinete Diversidad y Biología de Vertebrados del Árido), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Acosta
- DIBIOVA (Gabinete Diversidad y Biología de Vertebrados del Árido), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
| | - Graciela Blanco
- DIBIOVA (Gabinete Diversidad y Biología de Vertebrados del Árido), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
| | - Ana Paula Galdeano
- DIBIOVA (Gabinete Diversidad y Biología de Vertebrados del Árido), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Ignacio de la Roza 590 (O), Rivadavia, San Juan, Argentina
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Li J, Shi X, He X, Li D, Hu Q, Zhang Y, Ran J. Free-ranging livestock affected the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered snow leopard ( Panthera uncia). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9992. [PMID: 37091566 PMCID: PMC10115902 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Long recognized as a threat to wildlife, particularly for large carnivores, livestock grazing in protected areas can potentially undermine conservation objectives. The interspecific interactions among livestock, snow leopards (Panthera uncia), and their wild prey in fragile Asian highland ecosystems have been a subject of debate. We strategically deployed 164 camera traps in the Wolong National Nature Reserve to systematically investigate the activities of snow leopards, their primary wild ungulate prey species, and free-ranging livestock. We found that snow leopard habitat use was influenced by both wild prey and livestock. Blue sheep served as the main wild prey that spatially attracted snow leopards and coexisted with yaks while free-ranging yaks significantly restricted snow leopard habitat use both temporally and spatially. This study challenges the conventional understanding that livestock indirectly impacts large carnivores by competing with and displacing wild prey. Our findings highlight that free-ranging yaks within the alpine canyon terrain could directly limit snow leopard habitat use, suggesting a potential risk of grazing in reducing apex predator distribution and jeopardizing their populations. Consequently, managing their coexistence in shared habitats requires a more nuanced approach. Furthermore, our research underscores the importance of further research efforts aimed at enhancing our comprehension of the complex interplay within animal communities and ecosystems. This knowledge will contribute to the development of informed, evidence-based conservation strategies and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiaogang Shi
- Wolong National Nature ReserveAdministration Bureau of Wolong National Nature ReserveWolong Town, Wenchuan CountyAbaChina
| | - Xingcheng He
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Dongrui Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiang Hu
- Wolong National Nature ReserveAdministration Bureau of Wolong National Nature ReserveWolong Town, Wenchuan CountyAbaChina
| | - Yanni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Jianghong Ran
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco‐Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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Glass A, Eichholz MW. Estimating direct and indirect effects of habitat structure on nesting field sparrows (Spizella pusilla) using structural equation models. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1094152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to consistent population declines across the continent, grassland birds have become a guild of high conservation and management interest. Despite a large number of studies investigating grassland bird habitat associations, we know relatively little about the mechanisms through which habitat characteristics may impact grassland birds, as these mechanisms are often assumed rather than directly tested. For this study, we estimated whether the effects of habitat structure on breeding Field Sparrows are mediated through changes in predator (snake and raccoon) abundance, alternative prey availability, or arthropod biomass using structural equation models. We found no evidence of nest survival or nest density of Field Sparrows being directly influenced by nest predator abundance, alternative prey, or arthropod biomass, although habitat characteristics associated with increased nest survival were also associated with greater arthropod biomass and reduced predator abundance. We suggest that habitat structure in our study area primarily impacts breeding Field Sparrows through direct means, such as influencing nest concealment or foraging efficiency. Our results also suggest that nest success and nest density are decoupled in our study area, so Field Sparrows may be preferentially selecting nest sites with structural characteristics that do not increase nest survival. Ultimately, our findings from this study indicate that while predator avoidance and food provisioning likely play an important role in determining nest survival for grassland birds, predator abundance and arthropod biomass may not necessarily predict predation risk and foraging efficiency to the extent that is often assumed.
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Moseby K, Van der Weyde L, Letnic M, Blumstein DT, West R, Bannister H. Addressing prey naivety in native mammals by accelerating selection for antipredator traits. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2780. [PMID: 36394506 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a recent concept in ecology and evolutionary biology and a potentially powerful tool in species conservation. One possible application is the use of natural selection to improve antipredator responses of mammal species that are threatened by predation from novel predators. We investigated whether long-term exposure of an evolutionary naïve prey species to a novel predator would lead to phenotypic changes in a suite of physical and behavioral traits. We exposed a founder population of 353 burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) to feral cats (Felis catus) over 5 years and compared the physical and behavioral traits of this population (including offspring) to a control (non-predator exposed) population. We used selection analysis to investigate whether changes in the traits of bettongs were likely due to phenotypic plasticity or natural selection. We also quantified selection in both populations before and during major population crashes caused by drought (control) and high predation pressure (predator-exposed). Results showed that predator-exposed bettongs had longer flight initiation distances, larger hind feet, and larger heads than control bettongs. Trait divergence began soon after exposure and continued to intensify over time for flight initiation distance and hind foot length relative to control bettongs. Selection analysis found indicators of selection for larger hind feet and longer head length in predator-exposed populations. Results of a common garden experiment showed that the progeny of predator-exposed bettongs had larger feet than control bettongs. Results suggest that long-term, low-level exposure of naïve prey to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may assist with future conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Arid Recovery, Roxby Downs, South Australia, Australia
| | - Leanne Van der Weyde
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca West
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah Bannister
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Brunet MJ, Monteith KL, Huggler KS, Thompson DJ, Burke PW, Zornes M, Lionberger P, Valdez M, Holbrook JD. Spatiotemporal predictions of the alternative prey hypothesis: Predator habitat use during decreasing prey abundance. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell J. Brunet
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Kevin L. Monteith
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | - Katey S. Huggler
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
| | | | | | - Mark Zornes
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department Green River Wyoming USA
| | - Patrick Lionberger
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field Office Rock Springs Wyoming USA
| | - Miguel Valdez
- Bureau of Land Management, Rock Springs Field Office Rock Springs Wyoming USA
| | - Joseph D. Holbrook
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
- Department of Zoology and Physiology University of Wyoming Laramie Wyoming USA
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7
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Komine H, Yasumiba K, Schwarzkopf L. The country toad and the city toad: comparing morphology of invasive cane toads ( Rhinella marina) from rural and urban environments. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Urbanization is a principal driver of global biodiversity loss. Although many studies have examined the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity, we are only beginning to study urbanization as an evolutionary force. Urban environments are hotspots for invasive species, but most previous studies have focused on phenotypic changes in native species responding to urbanization. Quantifying the phenotypic responses of invasive species to urbanization may help reveal mechanisms promoting invasion. There are, however, few studies investigating the phenotypic response of invasive species to urbanization. We compared morphological traits of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) between urban and rural areas in three cities in north-eastern Australia using generalized linear mixed models. We found that the parotoid glands, which are the major anti-predator defence of toads were smaller in urban than in rural populations. The tibiofibula length of males in urban populations was longer than those in rural populations, but females showed opposite trends, suggesting potential effects of urbanization on sexual dimorphism. These results demonstrate that urbanization drives morphological changes in invasive toads, suggesting they may adapt to urban environments rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Komine
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology , 3-5-8, Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509 , Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University , 1-23, Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997 - 0037, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Yasumiba
- Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology , 3-5-8, Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183 - 8509, Japan
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and Engineering, Centre for Biodiversity & Climate Change, James Cook University , Townsville , QLD 4811, Australia
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Mourmourakis F, De Bona S, Umbers KDL. Increasing intensity of deimatic behaviour in response to repeated simulated attacks: a case study on the mountain katydid (Acripeza reticulata). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
How and when deimatic behaviours are performed can change during encounters between predators and prey. Some predators attack repeatedly, investigating and manipulating prey, and in response, an individual’s deimatic behaviour may intensify or may diminish in favour of escaping. The presence of a resource can further force a trade-off between displaying and escaping. Here, we examined the intensity of the katydid’s deimatic behaviour, a visual display, the propensity of their escape response under repeated simulated attacks, and how these responses change in the presence of foraging resources. We found that display intensity increased with repeated simulated attacks and that females displayed at a greater intensity than males. The presence of their preferred food plant had no significant effect on display intensity, but reduced escape probability in both sexes. Some katydids were predictable in their display intensity and at the population level we found that strong display intensity is moderately repeatable. Overall, our results suggest that 1) display intensity increases with repeated attacks and might indicate a cost in performing at maximum intensity upon first attack, 2) deploying a deimatic display while feeding can reduce the need to flee a rich foraging patch and 3) some individuals are consistent in their display intensities. Future experiments that aim to determine causal mechanisms such as limitations to perception of predators, sensitisation to stimuli and physiological constraints to display intensity will provide necessary insight into how deimatic displays function.
Significance statement
Though often regarded as success or failure, interactions between predators and prey during the attack phase of a predation event are complex, especially when predators make repeated investigative attacks in quick succession. Our study shows that in mountain katydids, intensity of deimatic behaviour increases with repeated attacks, perhaps indicating that prey sensitise or that maximal displays during initial attacks carry high costs such as conspicuousness. The intensity of the display does not change with the introduction of a valuable food resource, but the probability of fleeing decreased, suggesting that displaying may reduce the opportunity costs of leaving a patch. We also show that individuals vary in the repeatability of their display, suggesting that deimatic display may be highly adaptable, nuanced and targeted.
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9
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Bradley HS, Craig MD, Tomlinson S, Cross AT, Bamford MJ, Bateman PW. Predators in a mining landscape: Threats to a behaviourally unique, endangered lizard. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holly S. Bradley
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley Perth West Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Michael D. Craig
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley West Australia Australia
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch West Australia Australia
| | - Sean Tomlinson
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth West Australia Australia
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kings Park Science Perth West Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Adam T. Cross
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Kent Street, Bentley Perth West Australia 6102 Australia
- EcoHealth Network: https://ecohealthglobal.org Brookline Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Philip W. Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth West Australia Australia
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10
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Doherty TS, Geary WL, Jolly CJ, Macdonald KJ, Miritis V, Watchorn DJ, Cherry MJ, Conner LM, González TM, Legge SM, Ritchie EG, Stawski C, Dickman CR. Fire as a driver and mediator of predator-prey interactions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1539-1558. [PMID: 35320881 PMCID: PMC9546118 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Both fire and predators have strong influences on the population dynamics and behaviour of animals, and the effects of predators may either be strengthened or weakened by fire. However, knowledge of how fire drives or mediates predator–prey interactions is fragmented and has not been synthesised. Here, we review and synthesise knowledge of how fire influences predator and prey behaviour and interactions. We develop a conceptual model based on predator–prey theory and empirical examples to address four key questions: (i) how and why do predators respond to fire; (ii) how and why does prey vulnerability change post‐fire; (iii) what mechanisms do prey use to reduce predation risk post‐fire; and (iv) what are the outcomes of predator–fire interactions for prey populations? We then discuss these findings in the context of wildlife conservation and ecosystem management before outlining priorities for future research. Fire‐induced changes in vegetation structure, resource availability, and animal behaviour influence predator–prey encounter rates, the amount of time prey are vulnerable during an encounter, and the conditional probability of prey death given an encounter. How a predator responds to fire depends on fire characteristics (e.g. season, severity), their hunting behaviour (ambush or pursuit predator), movement behaviour, territoriality, and intra‐guild dynamics. Prey species that rely on habitat structure for avoiding predation often experience increased predation rates and lower survival in recently burnt areas. By contrast, some prey species benefit from the opening up of habitat after fire because it makes it easier to detect predators and to modify their behaviour appropriately. Reduced prey body condition after fire can increase predation risk either through impaired ability to escape predators, or increased need to forage in risky areas due to being energetically stressed. To reduce risk of predation in the post‐fire environment, prey may change their habitat use, increase sheltering behaviour, change their movement behaviour, or use camouflage through cryptic colouring and background matching. Field experiments and population viability modelling show instances where fire either amplifies or does not amplify the impacts of predators on prey populations, and vice versa. In some instances, intense and sustained post‐fire predation may lead to local extinctions of prey populations. Human disruption of fire regimes is impacting faunal communities, with consequences for predator and prey behaviour and population dynamics. Key areas for future research include: capturing data continuously before, during and after fires; teasing out the relative importance of changes in visibility and shelter availability in different contexts; documenting changes in acoustic and olfactory cues for both predators and prey; addressing taxonomic and geographic biases in the literature; and predicting and testing how changes in fire‐regime characteristics reshape predator–prey interactions. Understanding and managing the consequences for predator–prey communities will be critical for effective ecosystem management and species conservation in this era of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - William L Geary
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Chris J Jolly
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Gungalman Drive, Albury, NSW, 2640, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, G17, Macquarie University, 205B Culloden Road, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kristina J Macdonald
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Vivianna Miritis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Darcy J Watchorn
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Michael J Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Boulevard, MSC 218, Kingsville, TX, 78363, U.S.A
| | - L Mike Conner
- The Jones Center at Ichauway, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA, 39870, U.S.A
| | - Tania Marisol González
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Edificio 421, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Sarah M Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.,Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Level 5 Goddard Building, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Clare Stawski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NO-7491, Norway.,School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Chris R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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11
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Homage to Reptiles and Amphibians as Model Systems: One Ecologist's View. J HERPETOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1670/21-020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Unconventional bird predators are relevant to vertebrate trophic relationships? A community science platform helps to answer this question. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Öst M, Lehikoinen A, Jaatinen K. Top–down effects override climate forcing on reproductive success in a declining sea duck. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Öst
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Biocity, Åbo Akademi Univ. Turku Finland
- Novia Univ. of Applied Sciences Ekenäs Finland
| | - Aleksi Lehikoinen
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, Univ. of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Kim Jaatinen
- Nature and Game Management Trust Finland Degerby Finland
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14
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Predation risk is a function of seasonality rather than habitat complexity in a tropical semiarid forest. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16670. [PMID: 34404872 PMCID: PMC8371019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Predator-prey dynamics are some of the most important species' interactions in the natural structuring of communities, and are among the more complex ecological processes studied by ecologists. We measured predation risk using artificial lizard replicas to test two competing hypotheses regarding predation pressure in semi-arid environments: (1) predation risk is dependent on the habitat structural complexity; and (2) predation risk is dependent on seasonality. We placed 960 lizard replicas along three sites with different physical structures and in both dry and rainy seasons for seven consecutive days in a caatinga area in northeastern Brazil at Grota do Angico Natural Monument (GANM). Birds were responsible for the majority of attacks and more frequently on artificial lizards placed in trees. Attacks focused on the most vulnerable areas of the body (head and torso), proving that were perceived by predators as true prey items. We found that predation risk is not dependent on the habitat structural complexity, but rather dependent on the caatinga seasonality, with the overall attack rate being 19% higher in the dry season. Our study suggests that potential predation risk is highly context-dependent and that seasonality consistently drives of trophic interactions strength in the caatinga, an important ecological finding that could contribute to better understanding the complex evolution of predator-prey interactions within communities of animals living in different habitats.
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Prey partitioning between sympatric wild carnivores revealed by DNA metabarcoding: a case study on wolf (Canis lupus) and coyote (Canis latrans) in northeastern Washington. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ludwig SC, Roos S, Baines D. Fluctuations in field vole abundance indirectly influence red grouse productivity via a shared predator guild. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja C. Ludwig
- S. C. Ludwig (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3209-0568) ✉ and D. Baines (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3598-8325), Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Coach House, Eggleston Hall, Barnard Castle, DL12 0AG, UK. SCL also at: Langho
| | - Staffan Roos
- S. Roos (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4088-2875), RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, RSPB Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Baines
- S. C. Ludwig (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3209-0568) ✉ and D. Baines (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3598-8325), Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Coach House, Eggleston Hall, Barnard Castle, DL12 0AG, UK. SCL also at: Langho
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Nordberg EJ, McKnight DT. Nocturnal basking behavior in a freshwater turtle. Ecology 2020; 101:e03048. [PMID: 32236955 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nordberg
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Donald T McKnight
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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