Changes in feeding behavior and patch use by herbivores in response to the introduction of a new predator

摘要: Top-order carnivores are naturally returning, or being reintroduced, in a number of places where they have previously been extirpated. To explore how prey species adjust their antipredator behavior response to these predators, we measured giving-up densities (GUDs) experimental feeding patches and time spent vigilant for greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) before after an introduction wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Before the introduction, only predators system were cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). After release, none changed microhabitat preference, that all preferred open grasslands mixed tree bush-clumps bush-clumps. However, fed more intensively (i.e., achieved lower GUDs) had vigilance grasslands, while reducing effort higher increasing near denser vegetation. When denned study site, potentially contact with species, GUDs increased significantly across patches, continued increase over time. In contrast, stopped from altogether during this period. The change intensity levels by likely reflected additive both dogs, whereas responded risk dogs. Our results indicate addition influenced foraging-safety trade-off 3 but behaviors utilized mitigate predation varied within newly established 2-predator system.