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Diet selection in the Coyote Canis latrans
Matt W Hayward1,2,3, Carl D Mitchell4, Jan F Kamler5
1Conservation Science Research Group, College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2207, Australia.
Journal of Mammalogy
|December 7, 2023
Summary
Coyotes (Canis latrans) prefer larger prey, hunting in groups for riskier species. Their prey selection varies with latitude and coyote density, impacting prey distribution.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Predator-Prey Dynamics
Background:
- Coyote (Canis latrans) diet research is extensive but lacks prey availability synthesis.
- Previous studies inadequately addressed factors influencing coyote prey selection.
- Understanding coyote ecological roles requires integrating diet with prey availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze coyote prey selection across their distribution, considering prey availability.
- To compare traditional Jacobs' index with the iterative preference averaging (IPA) method.
- To identify factors influencing coyote prey choice, including prey size and social behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed coyote scats and biomass data to assess prey selection.
- Employed traditional Jacobs' index and the novel iterative preference averaging (IPA) method.
- Utilized general linear models to correlate prey selection with environmental variables.
Main Results:
- Coyotes selected for Dall's Sheep, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, and California Vole.
- Prey selection varied with latitude (Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare) and coyote density (Mule Deer, Black-tailed Jackrabbit).
- Coyotes preferred larger, riskier prey, indicative of group hunting strategies, and avoided solitary species.
Conclusions:
- Coyote prey selection is influenced by prey availability, size, and social structure.
- Predator-prey interactions, particularly by coyotes, can shape prey distribution and realized niches.
- Findings enhance understanding of coyote ecology and inform predictive ecological modeling.
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