Evaluating the summer landscapes of predation risk and forage quality for elk (Cervus canadensis).

ABSTRACT: The recovery of carnivore populations in North American has consequences for trophic interactions and population dynamics of prey. In addition to direct effects on prey populations through killing, predators can influence prey behavior by imposing the risk of predation. The mechanisms through which patterns of space use by predators are linked to behavioral response by prey and nonconsumptive effects on prey population dynamics are poorly understood. Our goal was to characterize population- and individual-level patterns of resource selection by elk (Cervus canadensis) in response to risk of wolves (Canis lupus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor) and evaluate potential nonconsumptive effects of these behavioral patterns. We tested the hypothesis that individual elk risk

SUBMITTER: Paterson JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9366754 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature