Testing mechanistic explanations for mammalian predator responses to habitat edges

摘要: Increased predator activity along habitat edges (the edge effect) is often documented in the temperate zone, but earlier studies have rarely been able to explicitly test suggested mechanisms underlining this phenomenon. In study, we measured distribution of mammalian predators by scent stations and their main prey (rodents) four types landscape elements corresponding an gradient between two types; grassland forest. We found a contrasting pattern carnivore activities years. Whereas carnivores did not exhibit significant occurrence forest–grassland first year with low abundance, they were more likely be detected subsequent high abundance. Our results do suggest that increased at arises as consequence overflow from higher quality through into lower habitat, showed most species focus specifically structure. On other hand, our data provide straightforward support for hypothesis preferences are caused spatial carnivores’ prey—rodents.