Patch use in time and space for a meso-predator in a risky world |
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Authors: | Shomen Mukherjee Michal Zelcer Burt P Kotler |
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Institution: | (1) Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer, 84990, Israel;(2) Present address: Pharmaceutical R&D, Perrigo Israel Pharmaceuticals, P.O. Box 16, Yeruham, 80500, Israel |
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Abstract: | Predator–prey studies often assume a three trophic level system where predators forage free from any risk of predation. Since
meso-predators themselves are also prospective prey, they too need to trade-off between food and safety. We applied foraging
theory to study patch use and habitat selection by a meso-predator, the red fox. We present evidence that foxes use a quitting
harvest rate rule when deciding whether or not to abandon a foraging patch, and experience diminishing returns when foraging
from a depletable food patch. Furthermore, our data suggest that patch use decisions of red foxes are influenced not just
by the availability of food, but also by their perceived risk of predation. Fox behavior was affected by moonlight, with foxes
depleting food resources more thoroughly (lower giving-up density) on darker nights compared to moonlit nights. Foxes reduced
risk from hyenas by being more active where and when hyena activity was low. While hyenas were least active during moon, and
most active during full moon nights, the reverse was true for foxes. Foxes showed twice as much activity during new moon compared
to full moon nights, suggesting different costs of predation. Interestingly, resources in patches with cues of another predator
(scat of wolf) were depleted to significantly lower levels compared to patches without. Our results emphasize the need for
considering risk of predation for intermediate predators, and also shows how patch use theory and experimental food patches
can be used for a predator. Taken together, these results may help us better understand trophic interactions. |
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Keywords: | Giving-up densities Intraguild predation Optimal foraging Predation risk Vulpes vulpes |
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