Specialist predator in a multi‐species prey community: boreal voles and weasels

摘要: Dissimilar vulnerabilities of different prey types and preferences predators are factors likely to contribute community dynamics. This may happen via differential individual properties animals (e.g. vigilance, escape) or habitat effects making hunting by a predator easier more rewarding in some habitats, both. Furthermore, dynamics be influenced mediated apparent competition, which an increase one type has negative on another indirectly the shared predator. We summarize current knowledge from field model predator-prey system consisting sympatric boreal vole species their common specialist review studies using manipulation responses individuals laboratory outdoor enclosures. The studied represent that thought have vulnerabilities. Our observations main resident predator, least weasel (Mustela nivalis L.), show it hunts according availability suitability habitat. Prey voles respond presence behaviorally various ways avoid predation. conclude even if is specialized small rodents acts like generalist within rodent guild facilitate coexistence switching. lead interspecific synchrony between populations, often been observed. suggest processes determining impact interactions driven behavioral arms race prey, together with habitat-dependent density net gain for