Population responses of roe deer to the recolonization of the French Vercors by wolves. Issue 2 (18th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Randon, Malory; Bonenfant, Christophe; Michallet, Jacques; Chevrier, Thierry; Toïgo, Carole; Gaillard, Jean‐Michel; Valeix, Marion
• Is Part Of: Population ecology. Volume 62:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 257
• Publication Date: 2020-02-18
• Subjects: body mass -- Canis lupus -- Capreolus capreolus -- population abundance -- predation; Animal populations -- Periodicals; Insect populations -- Periodicals; 591.788
• DOI: 10.1002/1438-390X.12043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-3896

Abstract

Abstract: In a context of changing carnivore populations worldwide, it is crucial to understand the consequences of these changes for prey populations. The recolonization by wolves of the French Vercors mountain range and the long‐term monitoring (2001–2017) of roe deer in this area provided a unique opportunity to assess the effects of wolves on this prey. Roe deer was the main prey of wolves in the west Vercors mountain range during this recolonization. We compared roe deer abundance and fawn body mass in two contrasted areas of a wolf pack territory: a central area (core of the territory characterized by an intense use by wolves) and a peripheral area (used more occasionally). Roe deer population growth rates were lower in the central area between 2001 and 2006, resulting in a decline in roe deer abundance. Roe deer abundance substantially dropped in the two study areas after an extremely severe winter but the abundance of roe deer in the central area facing with wolves was slower to recover and remained at lower abundance levels for 6 years. Fawn body mass was consistently lower in the central area, varied similarly as roe deer abundance, and was not influenced by weather conditions or red deer population abundance. Altogether, the effects of wolves on roe deer in the central area occurred during a 10‐year period following the establishment of wolves, through the interplay between wolf predation (before wolves started preying on red deer), harsh winter conditions and possibly naivety of prey to this recolonizing predator. Abstract : The recolonization by wolves of the French Vercors mountain range and the long‐term monitoring (2001‐2017) of roe deer populations provided us a unique opportunity to assess the effects of wolves on prey populations. We provide insights into roe deer population abundance and growth, and fawn body mass. Our results suggest that the effects of wolves occurred mainly during a 10‐year period following the establishment of wolves, with effects through the interplay between wolf predation (before wolves started preying on red deer), harsh winter conditions and possibly naïveté of prey to this recolonizing predator.