Predator search pattern and the strength of interference through prey depression

We develop a model of predators foraging within a single patch,on prey that become temporarily immune to predation (depressed)after detecting a predator. Interference through prey depressionoccurs because the proportion of vulnerable prey (and henceintake rate) decreases as predator density increases. Predatorsin our model are not forced to move randomly within the patch,as is the case in other similar models, but can avoid areasof depressed prey and so preferentially forage over vulnerableprey. We compare the extent to which different avoidance rules(e.g., move more quickly over depressed prey or turn if approachingdepressed prey) influence the amount of time spent foragingover depressed and vulnerable prey, and how this influencesthe strength of interference. Although based on a different mechanism, our model produces two similar general predictionsto interference models based on direct interactions betweenpredators: the strength of interference increases with (1)increased competitor density and (2) decreased prey encounterrate. This suggests that there are underlying similarities in the nature of interference even when it arises through differentprocesses. Not surprisingly, avoidance of depressed prey cansubstantially reduce the strength of interference comparedwith random foraging. However, we identify the region of themodel's parameter space in which this reduction is particularlylarge and show that the only system for which suitable dataare available, redshank Tringa totanus feeding on Corophium volutator, falls within this region. The model shows that, byadjusting its search path to avoid areas of depressed prey,a predator can substantially reduce the amount of the interferenceit experiences and that this applies over a wide range of parameterspace, including the region occupied by a real system. Thissuggests that behavior-based interference models should consider predator search pattern if they are to accurately predict thestrength of the interference.     

Population differentiation in the redshank (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tringa totanus</Emphasis>) as revealed by mitochondrial DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers

The redshank (Tringa totanus) is declining throughout Europe and to implement efficient conservation measures, it is important to obtain information about the population genetic structure. The aim of the present study was two-fold. First, we analysed the genetic variation within and between populations in the Baltic region in southern Scandinavia. Evidence of genetic structure would suggest that different populations might require separate management strategies. Second, in an attempt to study large-scale genetic structure we compared the Baltic populations with redshanks from northern Scandinavia and Iceland. This analysis could reveal insights into phylogeography and long-term population history. DNA samples were collected from six breeding sites in Scandinavia presumed to include two subspecies (totanus and britannica) and a further sample from Iceland (subspecies robusta). Two methods were used to study the population genetic structure. Domain II and III of the mitochondrial control region was analysed by DNA sequencing and nuclear DNA was analysed by screening amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Mitochondrial DNA showed no variation between individuals in domain II. When analysing an 481 bp fragment of domain III seven haplotypes were found among birds. On the basis of mtDNA sequences, redshanks showed some evidence of a recent expansion from a bottlenecked refugial population. Bayesian analyses of AFLP data revealed a significant genetic differentiation between suggested subspecies but not between populations within the Baltic region. Our results indicate that populations of redshanks in Europe constitute at least three separate management units corresponding to the recognised subspecies.