Coyote Abundance, Sheep Predation, and Wild Prey Correlates Illuminate Mediterranean Trophic Dynamics

摘要: Sheep predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) is a major problem for sheep producers in North America. Solutions are facilitated basic understanding of the trophic dynamic context this problem, one that likely varies geographically important qualitative ways. Little known about vertebrate dynamics Mediterranean ecosystems, where prey diverse and their biomass strongly influenced multi-annually variable rainfall. We used long-term data sets from north-coastal California, USA, to investigate whether wild fluctuations caused immediate negative effects on via reduction coyote functional response or delayed positive numerical predators. Because we could not measure directly, variables associated with lower levels (e.g., annual plant productivity, vole abundance, rainfall) as proxies biomass. Coyote population growth rate was positively correlated lower-trophic-level previous year, suggesting response, (ad F + lambs) abundance current year. also negatively an buffering effect predation. Together, explained 47% multi-annual variation kills. The pathway between stronger than pathway, possibly due erratic nature variables, which prevent reaching its full potential. Monthly analyses revealed type III lambs, expected enhance Our findings suggest dominant Mediterranean-type community buffer.