Divergent Predator Activity Muddies the Dynamic Landscape of Fear

The landscape of fear (LOF) hypothesis is a unifying idea explaining the effects of predators on the space use of their prey. However, empirical evidence for this hypothesis is mixed. Recent work suggests that the LOF is dynamic, depending on the daily activity of predators, which allows prey to utilize risky places during predator down times. While this notion clarifies some discrepancies between predictions and observations, support for a dynamic LOF remains mixed. We found seasonality in the predictability of coyote behavior, as well as divergent nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns between individuals during summer. Activity dynamics were not related to range size, sex, body mass, or habitat complexity, but did vary by year. These results suggest that the predictability of activity patterns is seasonally dynamic, and failure to account for intraspecific variation in activity may cloud inference in LOF studies.

Citation

French, J. T., N. J. Silvy, T. A. Campbell, and J. M. Tomeček. (2022) Divergent predator activity muddies the dynamic landscape of fear. Ecosphere. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3927

related PUBLICATIONS

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals and Seroprevalence of Hemorrhagic Diseases for Free-Ranging Mule Deer in West Texas

December 12, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Long Live the Cat: Ocelot Population Viability in a Planned Reintroduced Population in Texas, USA

November 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Pryric-carnivory: Predation of a Texas Tortoise by a Crested Caracara Following a Prescribed Fire

October 10, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Chapter 11 – Quails

October 1, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals for Free-ranging Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in West Texas

September 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.