The importance of functional responses among competing predators for avian nesting success

摘要: The relationship between the rate of predation and prey abundance is an important component predator–prey dynamics. However, functional responses are less straightforward when multiple predators compete for shared prey. Interactions among competing can reduce or enhance effects on populations. Because many avian populations experience high rates nest predation, understanding role specific mortality will lead to more informed conservation management strategies which attempt increase productivity by removing certain managing habitat limit their impact. Our goal was evaluate influence mortality. We monitored snowy plover Charadrius nivosus nests across 7 years at two study areas in Utah, USA, with remote cameras. modelled predator‐specific hazard a Bayesian framework assess relationships rates. found that gulls Larus spp. decreased increasing abundance, whereas foxes Vulpes ravens Corvus corax initially increased, indicating dietary switching may occur become abundant. Nest mortalities were often not independent ranged compensatory (e.g. mammalian mesopredators) superadditive predators) breeding season. non‐independence suggests reductions some translate additive increases overall success. Analyses cause‐specific rarely applied nests, but examination interacting impacts survival provide insight into drivers population A free Plain Language Summary be within Supporting Information this article.