Individual Heterogeneity in Use of Human Shields by Mountain Nyala

摘要: The ‘human shield hypothesis’ describes the situation where prey species use humans as from natural predation. We tested human hypothesis in a population of mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) subjected to predation nocturnal spotted hyena (Crocuta Crocuta) Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia by radio-marking 15 (seven females and eight males) tracking them for up 2 yr. Occurrence estimated faecal transects decreased close settlements substantiating occurrence zone with lower risk diurnal pattern average distance between relocations was consistent significantly shorter distances during night (when exposed predation) than day. However, showed large individual heterogeneity shields. While nearly all individuals occasionally moved out park night, frequency such excursions varied 0% 71%. occurred year-round were not driven seasonal access crops. have previously demonstrated strong negative effect on large-scale distribution nyala. documented here is indicative positive small-scale humans. Our study thus supports view that human–wildlife interactions can be scale-dependent.