Effects of trophy hunting leftovers on the ranging behaviour of large carnivores: a case study on spotted hyenas.

ABSTRACT: Human-related food resources such as garbage dumps and feeding sites have been shown to significantly influence space use, breeding success and population dynamics in a variety of animal species. In contrast, relatively little is known on the effects of unpredictable sources of food, such as carcasses discarded by hunters, on carnivore species. We evaluated the effect of elephant carcasses, mainly deriving from trophy hunting, on the ranging and feeding behavior of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Using data from hyenas monitored before and during carcass availability via GPS radio-collars and camera traps, we investigated changes in ranging and feeding behavior over time. Carcass availability influenced hyenas' ranging behavior for an average of 10-12 days

SUBMITTER: Cozzi G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4368814 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature