Foraging and Feeding Ecology of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus): Lessons from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

摘要: The foraging and feeding ecology of gray wolves is an essential component to understanding the role that top carnivores play in shaping structure function terrestrial ecosystems. In Yellowstone National Park (YNP), predation studies on a highly visible, reintroduced population are increasing our this aspect wolf ecology. Wolves YNP feed primarily elk, despite presence other ungulate species. Patterns prey selection kill rates winter have varied seasonally each year from 1995 2004 changed recent years as has become established. select elk based their vulnerability result age, sex, season therefore calves, old cows, bulls been weakened by winter. Summer scat analysis reveals increased variety diet compared with observed diets, including species, rodents, vegetation. hunt packs and, upon successful kill, share evisceration consumption nutritious organs first, followed major muscle tissue, eventually bone hide. adapted feast-or-famine pattern, typically consume every 2-3 d. However, gone without fresh meat for several weeks scavenging off carcasses consist mostly As patterns density, weather, change, comparision conditions study period described here, we predict there will also be significant changes behavior.