Human–carnivore competition for antlered ungulates: do pumas select for bulls and bucks?

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 523 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mark Elbroch ◽  
Jennifer Feltner ◽  
Howard Quigley
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Study Sites

Context Many institutions of wildlife management and their hunting constituents tend to value ungulates over large carnivores, in part due to financial incentives associated with ungulate hunting over carnivore hunting. This system benefits from mythology that presents large carnivores as competitors for antlered male ungulates most prized by the hunting community. Aims We explored puma (Puma concolor) foraging and prey selection in two study areas in the Rocky Mountains, USA, to test whether pumas were competing with human hunters for antlered elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Methods We employed GPS technology to track pumas and document their prey. We measured population- and individual-level selection by comparing prey killed by pumas to two estimates of prey availability: (1) landscape-level as determined by annual agency game counts; and (2) total prey killed by marked pumas. Key results Pumas in both study systems killed small numbers of antlered elk and mule deer. Pumas exhibited avoidance of mature elk, instead strongly selecting for elk calves over any other age or sex class. Pumas in both systems also selected for mule deer fawns; however, they also exhibited small positive selection (Jacob’s index of 0.08 in CO and 0.11 in WY on a scale of 0.0–1.0) for antlered mule deer. Conclusions In terms of numbers killed, pumas were not a competitor with human hunters for either antlered species. In terms of prey selection, pumas showed that they may be greater competition for rare antlered mule deer but not for antlered elk. In both study sites, antlered elk and deer remained at levels at which they could perform their ecological functions. Implications Our results highlight the fact that the overhunting of large carnivores over competition for antlered ungulates is mostly unfounded; we should instead focus management, media attention and conservation science on disentangling the complex ecology driving localised declines of mule deer, elk and other important ungulate resources, many of which are anthropogenic in nature and can be addressed.

scholarly journals Population- and individual-level prey selection by a solitary predator as determined with two estimates of prey availability

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mark Elbroch ◽  
Patrick E. Lendrum ◽  
Hugh Robinson ◽  
Howard B. Quigley
Keyword(s):  
Prey Species ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Simple Calculation ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Dietary Niche ◽  
Two Measures ◽  
The Mean

Prey selection is exhibited by predator populations that kill a prey species disproportionate to its availability, or alternatively, individual predators that select prey disproportionate to the mean selection exhibited by their populations. Prey selection is a simple calculation when one can determine prey availability; however, measuring prey availability is challenging. We compared population- and individual-level prey selection as determined with two measures of prey availability for five ungulate species killed by pumas (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) in the Southern Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA: (1) annual prey counts and (2) total prey killed by marked pumas. We also tested whether individual pumas in the population exhibited a narrower dietary niche breadth compared with their population as a whole. The two methods yielded different estimates of prey availability and highlighted the need to consciously match prey availability estimates with appropriate ecological questions. Prey counts may have overestimated elk (Cervus canadensis (Erxleben, 1777)) abundance and underestimated deer abundance, whereas predation data may have better captured the influence of prey size on puma-specific prey vulnerability and availability. Prey counts were the more appropriate metric for analyzing population-level prey selection or differences in interspecific foraging, whereas total prey killed was the more appropriate metric for intraspecific comparisons.

Impact of puma predation on the decline and recovery of a mule deer population in southeastern Idaho

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1555-1565 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.W. Laundré ◽  
L. Hernández ◽  
S.G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Population Change ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Proximate Factor ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact

We modeled the impact of puma ( Puma concolor (L., 1771)) predation on the decline and recovery of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) in southern Idaho based on estimates of puma numbers, predation rates of pumas, and reproductive variables of deer. Deer populations peaked in 1992–1993, then declined more than 55% and remained low for the next 11 years. Puma numbers peaked 4–6 years after deer populations peaked but then declined to original levels. Estimated puma predation on the deer population before and after the decline was 2.2%–3.3% and 3.1%–5.8%, respectively. At high puma densities (>3 pumas/100 km2), predation by pumas delayed deer recovery by 2–3 years. Percent winter mortality of fawns (r2 = 0.62, P < 0.001) and adult female deer (r2 = 0.68, P < 0.001) correlated positively with December–January snowfall. Incorporation of winter snowfall amounts in the model produced a pattern of deer population change matching estimated changes based on field survey data. We conclude that pumas probably were a minor factor in the decline of the deer population in our area and did not suppress deer recovery. We propose that winter snowfall was the primary ultimate and proximate factor in the deer decline and suppression of their recovery.

Seasonal variation in the feeding ecology of pumas (Puma concolor) in northern California

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. Allen ◽  
L.M. Elbroch ◽  
D.S. Casady ◽  
H.U. Wittmer
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Ecology ◽  
Ursus Americanus ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Handling Time ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus Columbianus ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Prey System

Direct effects of predators depend upon factors that can vary across seasons, including variations in the abundance and vulnerability of migrating prey. Past studies show conflicting results of whether puma (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) feeding ecology varies among seasons. We employed GPS collars to study puma feeding ecology in a single-prey system with migratory black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus (Richardson, 1829)). We hypothesized that puma feeding ecology would vary based on changes in prey abundance and spatial distribution, as well as competition with scavengers and decomposers. Our results supported these hypotheses. Kill rates in number of ungulates/week were significantly higher in summer and autumn than in winter, likely owing to the increased availability and density of black-tailed deer fawns. The handling times of black-tailed deer ≥1 year old were significantly higher in winter than in spring, summer, or autumn. We speculated that reduced handling time in summer may have been influenced by black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) kleptoparasitism and the decomposition of kills. Pumas killed black-tailed deer at higher elevations in summer than in winter, spring, or autumn, and the elevations correlated significantly with seasonal elevations used by black-tailed deer, suggesting that pumas exhibited seasonal foraging behaviours and tracked prey availability in a system with migrating prey.

scholarly journals Observations of Wild Cougar (Puma concolor) Kittens with Live Prey: Implications for Learning and Survival

2013 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 333 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Mark Elbroch ◽  
Howard Quigley
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Maternal Care ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Video Data ◽  
Operant Learning ◽  
Live Prey ◽  
In The Wild

The Cougar (Puma concolor) is a cryptic species in which social learning or opportunity learning has yet to be documented in the wild. “Opportunity teaching” is teaching in which an animal creates opportunities for conspecifics to observe or participate in operant learning. We present video data on an observation of Cougar kittens exhibiting social learning and inefficiency and inexperience in attempting to kill a live Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawn. Our observations provide evidence for the importance of maternal care and they help explain why Cougar kittens less than a year of age have low survival rates.

Factors influencing activity patterns of ungulates at mineral licks

1975 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. N. Carbyn
Keyword(s):  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Mineral Licks

Seasonal and daily visits to mineral licks by Cervus canadensis (elk or wapiti) and Odocoileus hemionus (mule deer) fluctuated during May to August in 1971 and 1972.The emphasis in this study was on the diurnal activity patterns of these ungulates. Results of their presence at lick sites were analyzed in relation to time of day, temperature, and humidity. A stepwise, multiple regression analysis was applied to identify the important dependent factors.There was a high negative correlation between humidity and the number of "lick visits." Temperature was not as important an environmental factor as humidity. Large carnivores, particularly Canis lupus (wolves) were common in the area; however, there was no evidence that predation pressures influenced the activity patterns of the ungulates.

Adaptive rumen function in elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus)

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 601-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. E. Spalinger ◽  
C. T. Robbins ◽  
T. A. Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Liquid Volume ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Passage Rate ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
And Function

We tested the hypothesis that rumen function is adaptive to diet quality and intake rate using ruminally fistulated elk and mule deer. In experiment 1 we measured rumen particle-size distribution, rumen fill, and particle and liquid passage rates of animals fed three diets varying in quality (chopped pea, alfalfa, and wheat hays). In experiment 2, similar measurements were obtained on elk fed alfalfa hay ad libitum or at restricted intake levels. Rumen characteristics and passage rates of particles and liquids were similar for animals consuming alfalfa and pea hays. Intake, rumen dry-matter concentration and fill, and liquid passage rate were significantly lower when animals consumed wheat hay. Few significant differences in rumen characteristics or passage rates were found between animals fed alfalfa ad libitum or at restricted levels. Rumen liquid volume and dry-matter fill were related linearly to intake (r2 = 0.98 for both) in deer and elk fed alfalfa and pea hays. However, liquid volume and dry-matter fill of elk fed wheat hay and alfalfa at restricted levels were higher than the deer–elk interspecific regression, indicating an adaptive ruminal response. We concluded that rumen function was adaptive to both diet quality and availability, but that the response likely was subject to the limitations imposed by food characteristics and the inherent limitations of rumen structure and function.

Resource competition and apparent competition in declining mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 499-504
Author(s):  
Robert B. Wielgus
Keyword(s):  
High Mortality ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Apparent Competition ◽  
Resident Male ◽  
Deer Population ◽  
Competition Hypothesis

Resource competition and apparent competition have both been suggested as the cause of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) decline concurrent with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman, 1780)) increase. I tested for both hypotheses by conducting a “press” and “release” experiment in a mule deer, white-tailed deer, and cougar (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) community. If resource competition is causal, then predation should decrease, but other sources of mortality should increase following increased mortality of cougars and release of competing white-tailed deer. If apparent competition is causal, then predation should decrease and mule deer should increase following increased mortality of cougars and release of white-tailed deer. I accepted the apparent competition hypothesis because high mortality of female cougars and cougar population decline was associated with both white-tailed deer and mule deer population growth. Very high mortality of female cougars appeared to result in mule deer population recovery. However, high mortality of male cougars (with increased male immigration) preceding high female mortality appeared to result in sexually segregated prey-switching by females with cubs from abundant white-tailed deer to rare mule deer to avoid sexually selected infanticide. High mortality of resident male cougars may have precipitated the mule deer decline in the first place.

Neuropathology of Chronic Wasting Disease of Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni)

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Williams ◽  
S. Young
Keyword(s):  
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Chronic Wasting Disease ◽  
Neuronal Degeneration ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Amyloid Plaques ◽  
Odocoileus Hemionus ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Wasting Disease ◽  
Cervus Elaphus Nelsoni

The pathology of the central nervous system of nine mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) and six elk ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease, a spongiform encephalopathy of mule deer and elk, was studied by light microscopy. Lesions were similar in both species and were characterized by spongiform transformation of gray matter, intracytoplasmic vacuolation of neurons, neuronal degeneration and loss, astrocytic hypertrophy and hyperplasia, occurrence of amyloid plaques, and absence of significant inflammatory response. Distribution and severity of lesions were evaluated at 57 locations; there were only minor differences between deer and elk. Consistent, severe lesions occurred in olfactory tubercle and cortex, hypothalamus, and the parasympathetic vagal nucleus of deer, and sections examined from these regions would be sufficient to establish a diagnosis of chronic wasting disease. Lesions were milder in these locations in elk but were sufficiently apparent to be of diagnostic value. Other differences included increased severity of lesions in some thalamic nuclei in elk in contrast to deer, the occurrence of amyloid plaques demonstrable by hematoxylin and eosin and histochemical stains in deer in contrast to elk, and the presence of mild white matter lesions in elk but not in deer. Lesions of chronic wasting disease were qualitatively comparable to those of scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, transmissible mink encephalopathy, and the human spongiform encephalopathies. Topographic distribution and lesion severity of chronic wasting disease were most similar to those of scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Duration of clinical disease did not significantly influence lesion distribution or severity in either species.

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