Predators in natural fragments: foraging ecology of wolves in British Columbia's central and north coast archipelago

摘要: Aim Predator‐prey dynamics in fragmented areas may be influenced by spatial features of the landscape. Although little is known about these processes, an increasingly planet underscores urgency to predict its consequences. Accordingly, our aim was examine foraging behaviour apex mammalian predator, wolf (Canis lupus), archipelago environment. Location Mainland and adjacent British Columbia, Canada; a largely pristine naturally landscape with islands variable size isolation. Methods We sampled 30 mainland watersheds 29 for faeces summers 2000 2001 identified prey remains. examined broad geographical patterns detailed biogeographical variables (area isolation metrics) as they relate consumed. For island data, we used Akaike Information Criteria guide generalized linear regression model selection probability black-tailed deer (main prey; Odocoileus hemionus )i n faeces. Results Black-tailed most common item occurrence per (63%) (53%) indices, representing 63% biomass. Wolves consumed more on near (65% item) than (39%) outer (45%), where other ungulates (mainland only) small mammals replaced deer. On islands, detecting primarily distance (not area or inter-landmass distance), suggesting limited recolonization from source populations causal mechanism. Main conclusions sampling time, consistent among suggest that population isolated fragments are less stable can result depletion prey. This have important implications understanding predator‐prey communities isolation, debate regarding wolf‐ systems logging temperate rain forests, reserve design.