作者: Graeme Shannon , Line S. Cordes , Amanda R. Hardy , Lisa M. Angeloni , Kevin R. Crooks
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0094630
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摘要: Human activities in protected areas can affect wildlife populations a similar manner to predation risk, causing increases movement and vigilance, shifts habitat use changes group size. Nevertheless, recent evidence indicates that certain situations ungulate species may actually utilize associated with higher levels of human presence as potential refuge from disturbance-sensitive predators. We now four-years behavioral activity budget data collected pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) elk (Cervus elephus) Grand Teton National Park, USA test whether predictable patterns provide shelter predatory risk. Daily scans were conducted along two parallel sections road differed traffic volume - the main Park Road experiencing vehicle was approximately thirty-fold greater than River Road. At busier Road, both engaged feeding (27% increase proportion 21% for elk), lower alert behavior (18% decrease 9% elk) formed smaller groups. These responses are commonly reduced threat. Pronghorn also exhibited 30% individuals moving at would be expected under exposure Our findings concur ‘predator hypothesis’, suggesting ungulates GTNP adjusting their accordingly. has alter predator-prey interactions drive trophic-mediated effects could ultimately impact ecosystem function biodiversity.