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Multiscale wolf predation risk for elk: does migration reduce risk?
Mark Hebblewhite1, Evelyn H Merrill
1Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, College of Forestry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA. mark.hebblewhite@cfc.umt.edu
Oecologia
|February 9, 2007
Summary
Large-scale migration significantly reduces predation risk for elk (Cervus elaphus) compared to residents. However, resident elk may also reduce predation risk by avoiding areas with high human activity.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Migration is theorized to reduce ungulate predation risk, but empirical evidence is limited.
- Predator-prey dynamics operate at multiple spatial scales, influencing risk avoidance strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the hypothesis that migration reduces predation risk in elk (Cervus elaphus).
- To examine multiscale predation risk avoidance by comparing migrant and resident elk exposed to wolf (Canis lupus) predation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized GPS and VHF telemetry data from 111 elk (67 migrant, 44 resident) and wolf telemetry data (2002-2004).
- Developed a predation risk model based on wolf occurrence probability and spatial density, accounting for pack size variations.
- Validated the model using independent data on wolf-killed elk.
Main Results:
- Migrant elk summer ranges exhibited 70% lower predation risk than resident ranges.
- Resident elk using areas near high human activity (avoided by wolves) experienced only 15% higher predation risk than migrants.
- During migration, elk faced 1.7 times higher predation risk than residents, despite rapid movement.
Conclusions:
- Large-scale migration effectively reduces overall predation risk for elk.
- Nonmigratory elk can achieve similar risk reduction through fine-scale habitat selection, particularly in human-influenced landscapes.
- Understanding multiscale predator-prey interactions is crucial for ungulate conservation strategies.
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