Mechanisms of herbivore distribution under predation risk

捕食风险下草食动物分布机制

• 批准号: 311787-2010
• 负责人: Fortin, Daniel
• 金额: $ 2.91万
• 依托单位: Université Laval
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2014-01-01 至 2015-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=548508
• 关键词: Mechanisms; herbivore; distribution; under; predation

This objective of this research is to provide a mechanistic understanding of the spatial organization of herbivores under predation risk. We will conduct research to identify the main determinants of the spatio-temporal dynamics of bison living under the risk of wolf predation at the interface between parklands and agricultural lands. We will then use this information to reduce wildlife-human conflicts by modifying connectivity in a resource patch network. The first step will be to characterize spatio-temporal patterns of predation risk within the bison range. To do so, we will radio-collared wolves from four different packs located within the bison range. Expected space use patterns by wolves will be assessed based on advection-diffusion modeling that will account for landscape structure, together with the location of neighbouring wolf packs and potential prey. The second step will be to also follow bison also equipped with GPS collars to evaluate their movement decisions in this risky environment. We will then use graph theory to pin point parts of the resource patch network that, if impacted, should have strong and predictable effects on bison distribution. On this basis, we will carry out a landscape-scale experiment on the network by local - yet strategic - habitat modifications (e.g., by blocking trail sections, changing resource availability in meadows) to reduce cross-boundary movements by altering connectivity patterns and reorienting bison away from the park's boundaries. The proposed research is innovative because it will go beyond the simple description of distribution patterns and resource selection by revealing the behavioural mechanisms involved in the selection process. The approach to influencing animal distribution will combine rigorous science and adaptive management, which will speed the development of innovative and effective management actions of conservation significance. Free-ranging plains bison populations are threatened in Canada (COSEWIC, May 2004). Cross-boundary movements may jeopardize the free-ranging nature of these bison. Our work will help bison management by increasing our ability to predict and control their distribution.

这项研究的这一目的是提供对在捕食风险下的草食动物空间组织的机械理解。我们将进行研究，以确定野牛时空动态的主要决定因素，这是在帕克兰和农业用地之间的界面处于狼捕食风险下的风险。然后，我们将使用此信息来通过修改资源补丁网络中的连接来减少野生动植物 - 人类冲突。第一步将是表征野牛范围内捕食风险的时空模式。为此，我们将从位于野牛范围内的四个不同包装中的无线电狼。狼的预期使用模式将根据对流扩散建模进行评估，该模型将解释景观结构，以及相邻的狼群和潜在的猎物的位置。第二步将是跟随野牛还配备了GPS项圈，以评估他们在这个危险环境中的运动决策。然后，我们将使用图理论来固定资源贴片网络的部分部分，如果受到影响，则应对野牛分布产生强大而可预测的影响。在此基础上，我们将通过本地 - 但战略性的栖息地修改（例如，通过阻止步道部分，更改草地中的资源可用性）在网络上进行景观尺度实验，以通过改变连接模式和重新定位来减少跨界运动野牛远离公园的边界。拟议的研究具有创新性，因为它将通过揭示选择过程中涉及的行为机制来超越对分布模式和资源选择的简单描述。影响动物分布的方法将结合严格的科学和适应性管理，这将加快保护意义的创新和有效的管理行动。加拿大的自由放养野牛种群受到威胁（Cosewic，2004年5月）。跨界运动可能会危害这些野牛的自由范围。我们的工作将通过提高我们预测和控制其分布的能力来帮助野牛管理。