Comparing amphibian habitat quality and functional success among natural,restored, and created vernal pools

The fact that several vernal pool restoration and creation attempts in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been paired with conservation of natural pools in the same area provided a valuable research opportunity to compare amphibian habitat quality between project sites and natural reference pools. To measure desired outcomes, we used successful reproduction and metamorphosis of two vernal pool indicator species, the wood frog and spotted salamander. Although many previous studies indicate that restored and created pools rarely replace function lost in the destruction of natural pools, success of vernal pool indicator species was not necessarily related to pool type in this study. Results indicate a strong correlation between reproductive success for both species and vernal pool size (i.e. mean depth and volume), regardless of pool type. Although overall survival rates of wood frog larvae were significantly higher in natural pools with hydroperiods between 12 and 35 weeks, wood frogs were also successful in one restored and one created vernal pool. Salamander survival rates were highest in two natural and two created pools, which had in common both greater volumes and higher proportions of forest land cover in the surrounding 1,000 m. The documented success of vernal pool indicator species in two well‐established created pools demonstrates that pool creation can sometimes restore communities and ecological functions lost, especially when nearby natural pools are degraded or destroyed.     

The impacts of overwintered green frog larvae on wood frog embryo mortality under a wetter climate

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Bottom‐up processes drive reproductive success in an apex predator

One of the central goals of the field of population ecology is to identify the drivers of population dynamics, particularly in the context of predator–prey relationships. Understanding the relative role of top‐down versus bottom‐up drivers is of particular interest in understanding ecosystem dynamics. Our goal was to explore predator–prey relationships in a boreal ecosystem in interior Alaska through the use of multispecies long‐term monitoring data. We used 29 years of field data and a dynamic multistate site occupancy modeling approach to explore the trophic relationships between an apex predator, the golden eagle, and cyclic populations of the two primary prey species available to eagles early in the breeding season, snowshoe hare and willow ptarmigan. We found that golden eagle reproductive success was reliant on prey numbers, but also responded prior to changes in the phase of the snowshoe hare population cycle and failed to respond to variation in hare cycle amplitude. There was no lagged response to ptarmigan populations, and ptarmigan populations recovered quickly from the low phase. Together, these results suggested that eagle reproduction is largely driven by bottom‐up processes, with little evidence of top‐down control of either ptarmigan or hare populations. Although the relationship between golden eagle reproductive success and prey abundance had been previously established, here we established prey populations are likely driving eagle dynamics through bottom‐up processes. The key to this insight was our focus on golden eagle reproductive parameters rather than overall abundance. Although our inference is limited to the golden eagle–hare–ptarmigan relationships we studied, our results suggest caution in interpreting predator–prey abundance patterns among other species as strong evidence for top‐down control.     

Fishing top predators indirectly affects condition and reproduction in a reef-fish community

To examine the indirect effects of fishing on energy allocation in non-target prey species, condition and reproductive potential were measured for five representative species (two-spot red snapper Lutjanus bohar, arc-eye hawkfish Paracirrhites arcatus, blackbar devil Plectroglyphidodon dickii, bicolour chromis Chromis margaritifer and whitecheek surgeonfish Acanthurus nigricans) from three reef-fish communities with different levels of fishing and predator abundance in the northern Line Islands, central Pacific Ocean. Predator abundance differed by five to seven-fold among islands, and despite no clear differences in prey abundance, differences in prey condition and reproductive potential among islands were found. Body condition (mean body mass adjusted for length) was consistently lower at sites with higher predator abundance for three of the four prey species. Mean liver mass (adjusted for total body mass), an indicator of energy reserves, was also lower at sites with higher predator abundance for three of the prey species and the predator. Trends in reproductive potential were less clear. Mean gonad mass (adjusted for total body mass) was high where predator abundance was high for only one of the three species in which it was measured. Evidence of consistently low prey body condition and energy reserves in a diverse suite of species at reefs with high predator abundance suggests that fishing may indirectly affect non-target prey-fish populations through changes in predation and predation risk.     

No detectable role for predators mediating effects of aquatic habitat size and permanence on populations and communities of container‐dwelling mosquitoes

1. General theory from aquatic ecology predicts that smaller aquatic habitats have shorter hydroperiods favouring species that are better resource competitors and complete development quickly. Larger habitats are predicted to have longer hydroperiods enabling longer‐lived predators to persist. Habitats with long hydroperiods and predators are predicted to favour slower‐developing, predator‐resistant species, rather than competitive species. 2. In a field experiment, habitat size and hydroperiod were manipulated independently in water‐filled containers, to test these hypotheses about processes structuring aquatic communities. Human‐made containers were used that are dominated by mosquitoes that vary in desiccation resistance, competitive ability, and predation resistance. 3. Habitat size and drying had significant effects on abundances of larvae of the common species in these communities. There was sorting of species by habitat size and by drying, with species that are better competitors relatively more abundant in smaller, more ephemeral habitats, and predator‐resistant, slower‐developing species relatively more abundant in larger or permanently flooded habitats. There were no detectable effects of habitat size or drying on the dominant predator. 4. Habitat size and its interaction with drying affected inputs of eggs to containers. Habitat size also affected relative abundances of the two dominant species in the egg population. 5. Although habitat size and hydroperiod significantly affected composition of these communities, these impacts did not appear to be mediated through effects on predator abundance. Species‐specific differences in habitat size and drying regime preferences, and habitat‐dependent larval performance appear to be the main forces shaping these communities.     

Restored oyster reefs and living shorelines can augment predator trophic dynamics

Coastal habitat loss has led to declines in many higher trophic level predators. These declines can be mitigated through habitat restoration, which putatively enhances predator populations and trophic dynamics by creating foraging opportunities in reestablished habitat, but this lacks empirical support. Here, we assess the prediction restored coastal habitat supports sportfish feeding relationships similar to natural habitat, at restored oyster reefs (Crassostrea virginica) and living shoreline habitats in Florida, U.S.A. Stable isotopes and gut contents were analyzed from young sportfish (i.e. predatory fish targeted by anglers) collected at control and restored sites for up to 3 years. The influence of habitat features, predator size, and prey availability on carbon and nitrogen isotope values were examined using a model species (mangrove/gray snapper [Lutjanus griseus]). In summary, sportfish species had distinct isotopic values, consuming similar prey but in different proportions between habitats. Prey abundance and richness, and reef height were influential predictors of L. griseus stable isotope values, with restored reefs contributing to their diet more than controls according to Bayesian mixing models. The trophic niche area of L. griseus and their predominant prey achieved trophic equivalence between restored and natural oyster reefs within 1 year following restoration. Stabilized living shorelines attained trophic equivalency to natural shorelines, but may take longer to accrue prey for some species. These findings generate fundamental ecological knowledge and actionable science, including targets, timelines, and indicator species, that natural resource managers and restoration practitioners can use to assess trophic structure and success of coastal habitat restoration.     

How does the presence of a conspecific individual change the behavioral game that a predator plays with its prey?

Behavioral games predators play among themselves may have profound effects on behavioral games predators play with their prey. We studied the behavioral game between predators and prey within the framework of social foraging among predators. We tested how conspecific interactions among predators (little egret) change the predator–prey behavioral game and foraging success. To do so, we examined foraging behavior of egrets alone and in pairs (male and female) in a specially designed aviary consisting of three equally spaced pools with identical initial prey (comet goldfish) densities. Each pool was comprised of a risky microhabitat, rich with food, and a safe microhabitat with no food, forcing the fish to trade off food and safety. When faced with two versus one egret, we found that fish significantly reduced activity in the risky habitat. Egrets in pairs suffered reduced foraging success (negative intraspecific density dependence) and responded to fish behavior and to their conspecific by changing their visiting regime at the different pools—having shorter, more frequent visits. The time egret spent on each visit allowed them to match their long-term capture success rate across the environment to their capture success rate in the pool, which satisfies one aspect of optimality. Overall, egrets in pairs allocated more time for foraging and changed their foraging tactics to focus more on fish under cover and fish ‘peeping’ out from their shelter. These results suggest that both prey and predator show behavioral flexibility and can adjust to changing conditions as needed in this foraging game.     

Habitat overlap between predatory benthic fish and their invertebrate prey in streams: the relative influence of spatial and temporal factors on predation risk

1. The spatial heterogeneity of ecosystems as well as temporal activity patterns of organisms can have far‐reaching effects on predator–prey relationships. We hypothesised that spatiotemporal constraints in mesohabitat use by benthic fish predators would reduce habitat overlap with benthic invertebrates and lead to mesohabitat‐specific predation risks. 2. We analysed the spatiotemporal activity patterns of two small‐bodied benthivorous fishes, gudgeon (Gobio gobio) and stone loach (Barbatula barbatula), and of benthic invertebrates in a small temperate stream during three 24‐h field experiments. By applying a novel method of field video observation, we monitored the spatiotemporal foraging behaviour of the fish in their natural environment. A parallel analysis of invertebrate mesohabitat use by means of small area Hess sampling allowed a direct estimation of habitat overlap at a pool–riffle scale. 3. Gudgeon showed a dominant spatial activity pattern preferring pools at all times of day, whereas stone loach used both mesohabitats but with a distinct temporal (nocturnal) activity pattern. The patterns of residence were not identical with those of active foraging. Invertebrate community composition differed significantly between mesohabitats but not between times of day. More than half of the total dissimilarity between pools and riffles was accounted for by six invertebrate taxa. Five of these were subject to higher fish predation in pools than in riffles. The total prey consumption of the two fish species together in pools was about three times as high as in riffles. Trophic niche breadth of stone loach and thus its predation range was broader than that of gudgeon. 4. These results indicate that the potential predation risk for stream invertebrates depends on the combination of spatial and temporal patterns of both predator and prey. Given the distinct differences in predation risk found between pools and riffles, we conclude that spatial heterogeneity at the mesohabitat scale can influence mechanisms and consequences of selective predation. We also suggest that the analysis of spatiotemporal predator–prey relationships should not be based on the premise that the main residence habitat and active foraging habitat of a predator are identical.     

Habitat associations of pool-breeding amphibians in eastern Massachusetts,USA

There is a pressing need to develop a sound conservation strategy for pool-breeding amphibians, which includes gaining a better understanding of the habitat and landscape-scale characteristics associated with populations. To investigate relationships between amphibian species richness and characteristics of breeding pools and surrounding landscapes, we surveyed 85 pools in eastern Massachusetts (USA) in 1996 and 1997. A total of 11 species was detected, with most pools having 2–5 species. Pools were typically small, 77.6% were <0.2 ha, but most pools (72%) had hydroperiods that persisted at least into August in most years. Based on linear regression analyses, species richness was positively associated with three within-pool variables (pool surface area, hydroperiod, and the amount of emergent vegetation), and a landscape-level variable (presence of another breeding pool within 1 km), while one within-pool variable (tree canopy cover) exhibited a significant negative association with species richness. These within-pool habitat variables and connectivity to other breeding pools are important characteristics to consider when attempting to identify breeding sites that could provide core habitat in conservation reserves designed for the conservation of pool-breeding amphibian species richness. Conservation reserves for pool-breeding amphibian populations should include pool complexes functioning as habitat for metapopulations. Core pool habitats within such reserves should be large (0.5–1.0 ha), with seasonal hydroperiods that persist into August or that dry in some years, and with sufficient emergent vegetation to provide diverse microhabitats and refugia.     

Territory quality, survival and reproductive success in southern emu-wrens Stipiturus malachurus

Multi-factor analyses of territory quality in relation to fitness components of adults are rare, especially in non-migratory species. I studied the influence of multiple attributes of territory quality (habitat type and the abundance of food and predators) on the reproductive success and survival of a threatened Australian passerine, the southern emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus . The abundance of frequently-selected prey types (lepidoptera, diptera, hemiptera and larvae) varied significantly across territories according to habitat type. Reproductive success (number of offspring fledged) was highest in territories containing a greater proportion of tall shrubland, which had the highest insect abundance of any habitat. Closed heathland and sedge/rushland also had high food abundance compared to other habitat types, but higher fledging success occurred only within closed heathland, possibly because predator density was lower in this habitat type. High snake density was associated with reduced adult survival during the breeding season and a lower probability of nest success. In sedge/rushland, any benefits of prey abundance may therefore be offset by a high density of predators. Emu-wren age and size were unrelated to breeding output of pairs, suggesting that ecological factors may swamp effects of individual quality on emu-wren fitness components. Preservation of tall shrubland and closed heathland habitats appear to be of key conservation priority for emu-wrens.     

Invertebrate community composition differs between restored and natural vernal pools

The loss of freshwater wetlands worldwide has underscored the importance of restoration to enhance biodiversity and functional objectives. While aquatic invertebrate communities within restored perennial freshwaters are well studied, few studies have occurred in the greatly reduced habitat of seasonal wetlands, such as vernal pools. California vernal pools have experienced high habitat loss and support many threatened or endangered invertebrate species. We compared 90 natural and 90 restored vernal pools of different ages across 10 sites throughout California and Southern Oregon using the Sars' method. Large branchiopod abundance, total invertebrate abundance, class richness, and community composition were assessed between pool types (natural vs. restored) and along environmental gradients (e.g. site, pool depth, surface area, age since restoration). Large branchiopod and total invertebrate abundance were 215 and 274% higher in natural pools than restored pools, but class richness was not different. Community composition was significantly different and driven by greater abundances of vernal pool fairy shrimp, San Diego fairy shrimp, Ostracoda, Cladocera, and Copepoda in natural pools. Few environmental or habitat variables explained patterns in richness or abundance. Our work demonstrates that restored pools, even those decades old, are different than natural pools. Future mitigation and monitoring guidelines for restored vernal pools should include quantitative evaluations for aquatic invertebrates. Restored pools are not adequate compensation for lost natural pools because they do not have the same ecological functions and values.     

Breeding habitat selection and larval performance of two anurans in freshwater rock-pools

I studied breeding habitat choice of common toad Bufo bufo and common frog Rana temporaria in 221 freshwater rock-pools on 15 small islands in the southwestern coast of Finland. I monitored tadpole growth rate in a number of rock-pools differing in size, competitors and predator regime. Furthermore, I carried out a short-term field experiment to investigate the effects of different predators on larval survival. Rana bred in pools of virtually all sizes, although the very smallest ones were usually avoided. A logistic regression analysis showed that the amount of aquatic macrophyte vegetation and pool surface area were the most important pool characters for Rana. Bufo preferred the largest pools, and pool surface area was by far the most important habitat variable. Rana avoided pools with the lowest pH. but was more common than expected at pools with pH around 6. In Bufo such an effect was not found, but this may be due to relatively low number of pools occupied by Bufo. In Rana there was a positive correlation between pool area and tadpole body length in early June, but two weeks later this relationship was not significant. In Bufo tadpole body size was not significantly affected by pool area. Presence of predators or presence of the other tadpole species did not affect growth or tadpole body size in either Rana or Bufo. A short-term experiment in wading pools indicated that both species suffered heavy mortality in the presence of a diving beetle larva. In the presence of predatory fish, mortality of Bufo did not differ from controls, whereas mortality was high among Rana tadpoles. It appears that although predators prey heavily on Rana tadpoles, they do not exclude Rana from larger rock-pools. However, it is not evident from this study why Bufo avoids smaller pools.     

Differences in predator composition alter the direction of structure‐mediated predation risk in macrophyte communities

Structural complexity strongly influences the outcome of predator–prey interactions in benthic marine communities affecting both prey concealment and predator hunting efficacy. How habitat structure interacts with species‐specific differences in predatory style and antipredatory strategies may therefore be critical in determining higher trophic functions. We examined the role of structural complexity in mediating predator–prey interactions across several macrophyte habitats along a gradient of structural complexity in three different bioregions: western Mediterranean Sea (WMS), eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) and northern Gulf of Mexico (NGM). Using sea urchins as model prey, we measured survival rates of small (juveniles) and medium (young adults) size classes in different habitat zones: within the macrophyte habitat, along the edge and in bare sandy spaces. At each site we also measured structural variables and predator abundance. Generalised linear models identified biomass and predatory fish abundance as the main determinants of predation intensity but the efficiency of predation was also influenced by urchin size class. Interestingly though, the direction of structure‐mediated effects on predation risk was markedly different between habitats and bioregions. In WMS and NGM, where predation by roving fish was relatively high, structure served as a critical prey refuge, particularly for juvenile urchins. In contrast, in EIO, where roving fish predation was low, predation was generally higher inside structurally complex environments where sea stars were responsible for much of the predation. Larger prey were generally less affected by predation in all habitats, probably due to the absence of large predators. Overall, our results indicate that, while the structural complexity of habitats is critical in mediating predator–prey interactions, the direction of this mediation is strongly influenced by differences in predator composition. Whether the regional pool of predators is dominated by visual roving species or chemotactic benthic predators may determine if structure dampens or enhances the influence of top–down control in marine macrophyte communities.     

Implications of shared predation for space use in two sympatric leporids

Spatial variation in habitat riskiness has a major influence on the predator–prey space race. However, the outcome of this race can be modulated if prey shares enemies with fellow prey (i.e., another prey species). Sharing of natural enemies may result in apparent competition, and its implications for prey space use remain poorly studied. Our objective was to test how prey species spend time among habitats that differ in riskiness, and how shared predation modulates the space use by prey species. We studied a one‐predator, two‐prey system in a coastal dune landscape in the Netherlands with the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as sympatric prey species and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as their main predator. The fine‐scale space use by each species was quantified using camera traps. We quantified residence time as an index of space use. Hares and rabbits spent time differently among habitats that differ in riskiness. Space use by predators and habitat riskiness affected space use by hares more strongly than space use by rabbits. Residence time of hare was shorter in habitats in which the predator was efficient in searching or capturing prey species. However, hares spent more time in edge habitat when foxes were present, even though foxes are considered ambush predators. Shared predation affected the predator–prey space race for hares positively, and more strongly than the predator–prey space race for rabbits, which were not affected. Shared predation reversed the predator–prey space race between foxes and hares, whereas shared predation possibly also released a negative association and promoted a positive association between our two sympatric prey species. Habitat riskiness, species presence, and prey species’ escape mode and foraging mode (i.e., central‐place vs. noncentral‐place forager) affected the prey space race under shared predation.     

Persistence at distributional edges: Columbia spotted frog habitat in the arid Great Basin,USA

A common challenge in the conservation of broadly distributed, yet imperiled species is understanding which factors facilitate persistence at distributional edges, locations where populations are often vulnerable to extirpation due to changes in climate, land use, or distributions of other species. For Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) in the Great Basin (USA), a genetically distinct population segment of conservation concern, we approached this problem by examining (1) landscape‐scale habitat availability and distribution, (2) water body‐scale habitat associations, and (3) resource management‐identified threats to persistence. We found that areas with perennial aquatic habitat and suitable climate are extremely limited in the southern portion of the species’ range. Within these suitable areas, native and non‐native predators (trout and American bullfrogs [Lithobates catesbeianus]) are widespread and may further limit habitat availability in upper‐ and lower‐elevation areas, respectively. At the water body scale, spotted frog occupancy was associated with deeper sites containing abundant emergent vegetation and nontrout fish species. Streams with American beaver (Castor canadensis) frequently had these structural characteristics and were significantly more likely to be occupied than ponds, lakes, streams without beaver, or streams with inactive beaver ponds, highlighting the importance of active manipulation of stream environments by beaver. Native and non‐native trout reduced the likelihood of spotted frog occupancy, especially where emergent vegetation cover was sparse. Intensive livestock grazing, low aquatic connectivity, and ephemeral hydroperiods were also negatively associated with spotted frog occupancy. We conclude that persistence of this species at the arid end of its range has been largely facilitated by habitat stability (i.e., permanent hydroperiod), connectivity, predator‐free refugia, and a commensalistic interaction with an ecosystem engineer. Beaver‐induced changes to habitat quality, stability, and connectivity may increase spotted frog population resistance and resilience to seasonal drought, grazing, non‐native predators, and climate change, factors which threaten local or regional persistence.     

Effects of vole fluctuations on the population dynamics of the barn owl <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tyto alba</Emphasis>

Many predator species feed on prey that fluctuates in abundance from year to year. Birds of prey can face large fluctuations in food abundance i.e. small mammals, especially voles. These annual changes in prey abundance strongly affect the reproductive success and mortality of the individual predators and thus can be expected to influence their population dynamics and persistence. The barn owl, for example, shows large fluctuations in breeding success that correlate with the dynamics in voles, their main prey species. Analysis of the impact of fluctuations in vole abundance (their amplitude, peaks and lows, cycle length and regularity) with a simple predator prey model parameterized with literature data indicates population persistence is especially affected by years with low vole abundance. In these years the population can decline to low owl numbers such that the ensuing peak vole years cannot be exploited. This result is independent of the length and regularity of vole fluctuations. The relevance of this result for conservation of the barn owl and other birds of prey that show a numerical response to fluctuating prey species is discussed.     

Detecting predator–prey relationships in the sea

Understanding the strength and diversity of predator‐prey interactions among species is essential to understand ecosystem consequences of population‐level variation. Directly quantifying the predatory behaviour of wild fishes at large spatial scales (>100 m) in the open sea is fraught with difficulties. To date the only empirical approach has been to search for correlations in the abundance of predators and their putative prey. As an example we use this approach to search for predators of the keystone crown‐of‐thorns starfish. We show that this approach is unlikely to detect predator–prey linkages because the theoretical relationship is non‐linear, resulting in multiple possible prey responses for single given predator abundance. Instead we suggest some indication of the strength and ecosystem importance of a predator–prey relationship can be gained by using the abundance of both predators and their putative prey to parameterize functional response models.     

Does a long‐term shift in Wood Stork diet foreshadow adaptability to human‐induced rapid environmental change?

To preserve biodiversity, identifying at‐risk populations and developing conservation plans to mitigate the effects of human‐induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) are essential. Changes in diet, especially for food‐limited species, can aid in detecting populations being impacted by HIREC, and characterizing the quality, abundance, and temporal and spatial consistency of newly consumed food items may provide insight concerning the likelihood of a species persisting in a changing environment. We used Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) nesting in the Florida Everglades as a model system to study the possible effects of HIREC on a food‐limited population. We compared the diets of Wood Storks in 2013 and 2014 with those reported during the 1970s before major anthropogenic activities affected the Everglades system and prey availability. Wood Storks in our study consumed more large‐bodied sunfish species (Lepomis spp.), fewer native marsh fishes, and more non‐native fish species than during the 1970s. Large sunfish and non‐native fish are relatively rare in the drying pools of Everglades marshes where storks traditionally forage, suggesting that Wood Storks may be using novel foraging habitats such as created wetlands (i.e., canals and stormwater ponds). Although created wetlands have long hydroperiods conducive to maintaining large‐bodied fishes and could provide alternative foraging habitat when prey availability is reduced in natural marshes, additional studies are needed to determine the extent to which these wetlands are used by Wood Storks and, importantly, the quality of prey items potentially available to foraging Wood Storks in created wetlands.     

Inside‐container effects drive mosquito community structure in Brazilian Atlantic forest

Metacommunity theory is a convenient framework in which to investigate how local communities linked by dispersal influence patterns of species distribution and abundance across large spatial scales. For organisms with complex life cycles, such as mosquitoes, different pressures are expected to act on communities due to behavioral and ecological partitioning of life stages. Adult females select habitats for oviposition, and resulting offspring are confined to that habitat until reaching adult stages capable of flight; outside‐container effects (OCE) (i.e., spatial factors) are thus expected to act more strongly on species distributions as a function of adult dispersal capability, which should be limited by geographic distances between sites. However, larval community dynamics within a habitat are influenced by inside‐container effects (ICE), mainly interactions with conspecifics and heterospecifics (e.g., through effects of competition and predation). We used a field experiment in a mainland‐island scenario to assess whether environmental, spatial, and temporal factors influence mosquito prey and predator distributions and abundances across spatial scales: within‐site, between‐site, and mainland‐island. We also evaluated whether predator abundances inside containers play a stronger role in shaping mosquito prey community structure than do OCE (e.g., spatial and environmental factors). Temporal influence was more important for predators than for prey mosquito community structure, and the changes in prey mosquito species composition over time appear to be driven by changes in predator abundances. There was a negligible effect of spatial and environmental factors on mosquito community structure, and temporal effects on mosquito abundances and distributions appear to be driven by changes in abundance of the dominant predator, perhaps because ICE are stronger than OCE due to larval habitat restriction, or because adult dispersal is not limited at the chosen spatial scales.     

The effects of seafloor habitat complexity on survival of juvenile fishes: Species-specific interactions with structural refuge

Marine fishes are often associated with structurally complex microhabitats that are believed to provide a refuge from predation. However, the effects of habitat complexity on predator foraging success can be strongly modified by predator and prey behaviors. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the effects of sea floor habitat complexity on juvenile fish survivorship using multiple predator (striped searobin and summer flounder) and prey (winter flounder, scup, and black sea bass) species to identify potentially important species-habitat interactions. Three habitats of varying complexity (bare sand, shell, and sponge) common to coastal marine environments were simulated in large aquaria (2.4 m diameter, 2400 L volume). Prey survivorship increased significantly with greater habitat complexity for each species combination tested. However, examination of multiple prey and predator species across habitats revealed important effects of predator × habitat and prey × habitat interactions on prey survival, which appeared to be related to species-specific predator and prey behavior in complex habitats. Significant species × habitat interactions imply that the impact of reduced seafloor habitat complexity may be more severe for some species than others. Our results indicate that the general effects of seafloor habitat complexity on juvenile fish survivorship may be broadly applicable, but that the interaction of particular habitats with search tactics of predators as well as habitat affinities and avoidance responses of prey can produce differences among species that contribute to variable mortality.