Predator co‐occurrence in alpine and Arctic tundra in relation to fluctuating prey. Issue 3 (10th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rød‐Eriksen, Lars; Killengreen, Siw T.; Ehrich, Dorothee; Ims, Rolf A.; Herfindal, Ivar; Landa, Arild M.; Eide, Nina E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal ecology. Volume 92:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 635
• Page End: 647
• Publication Date: 2023-01-10
• Subjects: carnivores -- competition -- co‐occurrence -- intraguild interaction -- occupancy -- predation -- resource availability -- tundra; Animal ecology -- Periodicals; 591.7
• DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8790

Abstract

Abstract: Large carnivores influence ecosystem dynamics in multiple ways, for example, by suppressing meso‐carnivores and providing carrions for smaller scavengers. Loss of large carnivores is suggested to cause meso‐carnivore increase and expansion. Moreover, competition between meso‐carnivores may be modified by the presence of larger carnivores. In tundra ecosystems, the smallest meso‐carnivore, the Arctic fox, has experienced regional declines, whereas its larger and competitively superior congener, the red fox, has increased, potentially due to changes in the abundance of apex predators. We explored if variation in the occurrence of wolverine and golden eagle impacted the occurrence and co‐occurrence of the Arctic fox and red fox in relation to varying abundances of small rodents within the Scandinavian tundra. We applied multi‐species occupancy models to an extensive wildlife camera dataset from 2011–2020 covering 98 sites. Daily detection/non‐detection of each species per camera trap site and study period (late winter; March–May) was stacked across years, and species occupancy was related to small rodent abundance while accounting for time of the year and status of simulated carcass. The Arctic fox was more likely to co‐occur with the red fox when the wolverine was present and less likely to co‐occur with the red fox when golden eagles were present and the wolverine was absent. Red foxes increased in occupancy when co‐occurring with the larger predators. The Arctic fox responded more strongly to small rodent abundance than the red fox and co‐occurred more often with the other species at carcasses when rodent abundance was low. Our findings suggest that the interspecific interactions within this tundra predator guild appear to be surprisingly intricate, driven by facets of fear of predation, interspecific mediation and facilitation, and food resource dynamics. These dynamics of intraguild interactions may dictate where and when conservation actions targeted towards the Arctic fox should be implemented. Abstract : The authors explore how multiple predators co‐occur in relation to varying resource availability, and how intensified competition between two smaller carnivores may be mediated by the presence or absence of larger carnivores. Such insights are crucial in establishing knowledge‐based ecosystem management practices and in the conservation of endangered carnivores.