A Functional Response in Resource Selection Links Multiscale Responses of a Large Carnivore to Human Mortality Risk.

ABSTRACT: Theory suggests that animals make hierarchical, multiscale resource selection decisions to address the hierarchy of factors limiting their fitness. Ecologists have developed tools to link population-level resource selection across scales; yet, theoretical expectations about the relationship between coarse- and fine-scale selection decisions at the individual level remain elusive despite their importance to fitness. With GPS-telemetry data collected across California, USA, we evaluated resource selection of mountain lions (Puma concolor; n = 244) relative to spatial variation in human-caused mortality risk. With hierarchical resource selection, coarse-scale selection determines availability at finer scales. This simple relationship allowed us to demonstrate that functional responses in reso

SUBMITTER: Dougherty KD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11687346 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature