Avian top predator and the landscape of fear: responses of mammalian mesopredators to risk imposed by the golden eagle

摘要: Top predators may induce extensive cascading effects on lower trophic levels, for example, through intraguild predation (IGP). The impacts of both mammalian and avian top species the same class have been extensively studied, but latter upon mesopredators are not yet as well known. We examined impact risk imposed by a large predator, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos, L.), its potential mesopredator prey, red fox (Vulpes vulpes, pine marten (Martes martes, L.). study combined 23 years countrywide data from nesting records eagles wildlife track counts in Finland, northern Europe. was modeled function territory density, density fledglings produced, distance to nearest active territory, with expectation that high would reduce abundances smaller sized martens particular. Red foxes appeared suffer predation, being fact most numerous close nests areas more territories. This is likely due similar prey preferences two larger size enabling them escape risk. Somewhat contrary our prediction, abundance increased low intermediate at proximity nests, possibly because habitat eagles. found slightly decreasing trend which could indicate response populations dependent density. However, research needed better establish whether intimidated or predated eagles, such turn cascade benefitting herbivorous species.