Bridging Scales: Allometric Random Walks Link Movement and Biodiversity Research

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 33(9), P. 701 - 712

Published: July 30, 2018

Language: Английский

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Linking spatial patterns of terrestrial herbivore community structure to trophic interactions

eLife, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 8

Published: Oct. 2, 2019

Large herbivores influence ecosystem functioning via their effects on vegetation at different spatial scales. It is often overlooked that the distribution of large results from responses to interacting top-down and bottom-up ecological gradients create landscape-scale variation in structure entire community. We studied complexity these cascading interactions using high-resolution camera trapping remote sensing data best-preserved European lowland forest, Białowieża Forest, Poland. showed an community explained by species-specific both environmental biotic factors combination with human-induced (cascading) effects. decomposed herbivore identified functionally distinct herbivory regimes ('herbiscapes'), which are predicted occur a variety ecosystems could be important mechanism creating maintaining heterogeneity.

Language: Английский

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Landscapes shaped from the top down: predicting cascading predator effects on spatial biogeochemistry

Oikos, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 2022(5)

Published: Oct. 12, 2021

Spatial heterogeneity in ecological systems can result from animal‐driven top–down processes, but despite some theoretical attention, the emergence of spatial feedbacks caused by animals is not well understood empirically. Interactions between predators and prey influence animal movement associated nutrient transport release, generating that cascades throughout systems. Here, we synthesize existing literature to evaluate mechanisms which terrestrial generate biogeochemical processes through consumptive non‐consumptive effects. Overall, propose increase ecosystems whenever predation intense spatially variable, whereas predator–prey interactions homogenize weak or diffuse space. This leads several testable hypotheses: 1) carcass deposition at high‐predation risk sites stimulate positive availability; 2) hotspots when they concentrate activity safe habitats, instead subsidies migrate daily risky habitats; 3) herbivore body size mediates effects, such megaherbivores are more likely predator loss general will tend ecosystems. Testing these hypotheses advance our understanding whether amplify landscape

Language: Английский

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The inducible defences of large mammals to human lethality

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 34(12), P. 2426 - 2441

Published: Oct. 6, 2020

Abstract In the process of avoiding predation, prey are faced with potentially fitness‐compromising trade‐offs that have implications for their survival and reproduction. The nature strength these non‐consumptive effects at population level can be equivalent, or even greater, than consumptive effects. Many species evolved defence mechanisms induced by predation risk. These inducible defences morphological behavioural in nature. Extensive research has detected predator–prey communities across freshwater, marine terrestrial ecosystems. Among this vast however, an influential portion systems not been widely considered. Humans inhabit a trophic above apex predators. position, humans referred to as hyperkeystone super predator they shown capacity consume animals rates many times higher any other non‐human species. However, extent which induce adaptive is clear. Systems involving large mammals may particularly well‐suited study human‐induced given disproportionately exploited (for food competition) over evolutionary time humans. To begin we first had examine context could adaptively evolve relation human lethality. With plausibility conditions satisfied, then conducted extensive review document mammals. All 187 studies reviewed documented plasticity No were detected. observed representative remains unclear because fitness (i.e. costs), integral condition evolve, implied rather quantified among close 92% research. We make recommendations renewed ingenuity development field experiments quantify costs discuss lethality on ecology, conservation management A free Plain Language Summary found within Supporting Information article.

Language: Английский

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A methodological roadmap to quantify animal‐vectored spatial ecosystem subsidies

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 90(7), P. 1605 - 1622

Published: May 20, 2021

Abstract Energy, nutrients and organisms move over landscapes, connecting ecosystems across space time. Meta‐ecosystem theory investigates the emerging properties of local coupled spatially by these movements matter, explicitly tracking exchanges multiple substances ecosystem borders. To date, meta‐ecosystem research has focused mostly on abiotic flows—neglecting biotic nutrient flows. However, recent work indicated animals act as spatial vectors when they transport landscapes in form excreta, egesta their own bodies. Partly due to its high level abstraction, there are few empirical tests theory. Furthermore, while may be viewed important mediators functions, better integration tools is needed develop predictive insights relative roles impacts diverse ecosystems. We present a methodological roadmap that explains how do such discussing combine from movement, foraging ecology coherent understanding animal‐vectored meta‐ecosystems processes. discuss slate newly developed technologies methods—tracking devices, mechanistic movement models, diet reconstruction techniques remote sensing—that integrated have potential advance quantification flows increase power demonstrate integrating novel established animal ecology, sensing, we can begin identify quantify animal‐mediated translocation large animals. also provide conceptual examples show our proposed methodologies help investigate movement. conclude describing practical advancements cross‐ecosystem contributions move. Understanding mechanisms which shape dynamics for ongoing conservation, rewilding restoration initiatives around world, developing more accurate models budgets. Our will enable ecologists qualify

Language: Английский

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Spatial match–mismatch between predators and prey under climate change

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 8(9), P. 1593 - 1601

Published: June 24, 2024

Language: Английский

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Apex predators and the facilitation of resource partitioning among mesopredators

Oikos, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 127(4), P. 607 - 621

Published: Oct. 25, 2017

Apex predators may influence carnivore communities through the suppression of competitively dominant mesopredators, however they also provide carrion subsidies that could foraging and competition among sympatric mesopredators when small prey is scarce. We assessed coyote Canis latrans red fox Vulpes vulpes winter diet overlap composition from scats collected in two study areas with 3‐fold difference grey wolf lupus density due to a control program. hypothesized differences would be driven by use carrion, tested whether 1) apex facilitate resource overlap, or 2) partitioning. estimated available biomass snowshoe hares voles based on pellet vole capture rates each area. used molecular analysis confirm species identification predator scats, microscopic evaluation remains analyze 471 scats. Ungulate comprised 73% diet, microtines accounted for nearly 60% dissimilarity these canids. Carrion was top‐ranked item both areas, whereas foxes declined area higher abundance. Diet tended lower diversity where wolves were more abundant, though trends not statistically significant. Taken together, our findings indicate provisions partitioning mesocarnivore alleviating exploitation mammals.

Language: Английский

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A tendency to simplify complex systems

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 233, P. 1 - 11

Published: Feb. 21, 2019

Language: Английский

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Contrasting patterns of risk from human and non‐human predators shape temporal activity of prey

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 91(1), P. 46 - 60

Published: Oct. 24, 2021

Spatiotemporal variation in predation risk arises from interactions between landscape heterogeneity, predator densities and hunting mode, generating landscapes of fear for prey species that can have important effects on behaviour ecosystem dynamics. As widespread apex predators, humans present a significant source hunted animal populations. patterns hunters overlap or contrast with other predators. Human infrastructure also reshape spatial by facilitating impeding hunter movement, deterring predators are themselves wary humans. We examined how anthropogenic natural features interact modes rifle mountain lions Puma concolor to generate spatiotemporal their primary prey. explored the implications human-modified Columbian black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Mendocino County, California. used historical harvest records, GPS trackers camera trap records model deer. then traps examine temporal activity response this risk. Hunters exhibited distinct, contrasting activity. Risk hunters, who rely long lines sight, was highest open grasslands near roads confined daytime. lions, an ambush predator, dense shrubland habitat, farther developed areas, during night crepuscular periods. Areas human settlement provided refuge both lions. found no evidence avoided space at scale our observations, but adjusted reduce encounters areas higher Our study demonstrates infrastructure, habitat cover mode result distinct may lead trade-offs species. However, diel create vacant domains costly highlights importance partitioning as mechanism avoidance.

Language: Английский

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Threading the needle: How humans influence predator–prey spatiotemporal interactions in a multiple‐predator system

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 90(10), P. 2377 - 2390

Published: May 28, 2021

Perceived predation risk and the resulting antipredator behaviour varies across space, time predator identity. Communities with multiple predators that interact differ in their use of activity hunting mode create a complex landscape for prey to avoid predation. Anthropogenic presence disturbance have potential shift interactions among where when encounters occur. We examined how white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus fawn spatiotemporal differed along an anthropogenic gradient had black bears Ursus americanus, coyotes Canis latrans, bobcats Lynx rufus humans present. quantified (a) spatial co-occurrence species distributions, (b) temporal overlap diel cycle (c) associations between humans, bears, coyotes, bobcats, adult male fawns. also vigilance changed survey duration. influenced scales, often increasing species. In general, species' was neutral or positive anthropogenically disturbed environments. Bears fawns, deer, fawns all higher agriculture-development matrix sites. addition, factors (e.g. distance forest edge relative abundance) sites did not site. By taking into account different behaviours can be detected scales these might occur, we were able gain more comprehensive picture reduce available niche space wildlife, creating studies been seeing areas.

Language: Английский

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