Gray wolves adjust their spatial and social environments according to prey distributions in a multi-prey system

Zabihi-Seissan, Sanaollah (2019) Gray wolves adjust their spatial and social environments according to prey distributions in a multi-prey system. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Animals modify their environment through movement to increase their success in acquiring energy. This may be done by selecting spaces to increase encounter rates with prey through different space use tactics, or in the case of social carnivores, adjusting social environments to balance the tensions associated with capturing prey and sharing the acquired energy with conspecifics. I tested hypotheses on how social predators select space based on three prey distribution metrics, and how they subsequently adjust their level of cohesion with conspecifics based on prey distribution. I tested these hypotheses in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, a multi-prey system where gray wolves (Canis lupus) prey on moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus canadensis), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and beaver (Castor canadensis). I found evidence that wolves used the predicted space use tactic for their primary prey species and adjust their level of cohesion based on the distribution of moose and beaver.

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