Habitat selection and risk of predation: re-colonization by lynx had limited impact on habitat selection by roe deer.

ABSTRACT: Risk of predation is an evolutionary force that affects behaviors of virtually all animals. In this study, we examined how habitat selection by roe deer was affected by risk of predation by Eurasian lynx - the main predator of roe deer in Scandinavia. Specifically, we compared how habitat selection by roe deer varied (1) before and after lynx re-established in the study area and (2) in relation to habitat-specific risk of predation by lynx. All analyses were conducted at the spatial and temporal scales of home ranges and seasons. We did not find any evidence that roe deer avoided habitats in which the risk of predation by lynx was greatest and information-theoretic model selection showed that re-colonization by lynx had limited impact on habitat selection by roe deer despite lynx predation

SUBMITTER: Samelius G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3777928 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature