Ecology of a population of subsidized predators: Common ravens in the central Mojave Desert, California
Journal of Arid Environments
By: W.I. Boarman, M.A. Patten, R.J. Camp, and S.J. Collis
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Abstract
Human subsidies have resulted in the rapid growth of populations of common ravens (Corvus corax) in the Mojave Desert. This is a management concern because ravens prey on threatened desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). We conducted weekly counts for 29 months at 10 sites on the US Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California to evaluate factors affecting the distribution of ravens. Raven abundance varied seasonally, diurnally, and with human abundance. It was greatest near resource subsidies, specifically the landfill and sewage ponds. Although other studies have documented heavy use of landfills by ravens, the use of sewage ponds had not been previously reported in the published literature. We suggest that raven management should focus on reducing access to anthropogenic resources. ?? 2006.
Suggested Citation
Boarman, W., Patten, M., Camp, R., Collis, S., 2006, Ecology of a population of subsidized predators: Common ravens in the central Mojave Desert, California: Journal of Arid Environments, v. 67, no. SUPPL., p. 248-261, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.09.024.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ecology of a population of subsidized predators: Common ravens in the central Mojave Desert, California |
| Series title | Journal of Arid Environments |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.09.024 |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue | SUPPL. |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Arid Environments |
| First page | 248 |
| Last page | 261 |