Gray wolf (Canis lupus) predation patterns following recent recolonization in a multi-predator, multi-prey system
Canadian Journal of Zoology
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Abstract
Predator–prey interactions are among the most fundamental of ecological relationships. Recolonizing gray wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) populations present new challenges for wildlife management in multi-prey, multi-carnivore systems. We documented diet composition and kill rates for wolves in a recently recolonized area over winter and summer seasons (2014–2015). Elk (Cervus canadensis Erxleben, 1777) were the primary ungulate prey (63%) located at wolf kill sites. Deer (mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780))) were less prevalent than elk in wolf diets, but the amount of deer in diets (40%–50%) varied by pack and season. Juvenile elk were the most prevalent class of prey in wolf diets during summer (63.3%) and winter (36.3%), with adult elk (32.5%) observed nearly as often as juveniles in winter. Kill rates varied by season, with rates 2.3 times higher in summer (mean = 3.5 ungulates/week per pack) than winter (mean = 1.5 ungulates/week per pack), consistent with increased availability and use of neonate prey. Prey biomass acquisition did not vary by pack or season (summer = 243 kg/week per pack; winter = 182 kg/week per pack). Our study quantified predation patterns for a recolonizing wolf population, and patterns that we documented were similar to other multi-prey systems in North America.
Suggested Citation
Dugger, K., Orning, E., Clark, D., 2021, Gray wolf (Canis lupus) predation patterns following recent recolonization in a multi-predator, multi-prey system: Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 99, no. 10, p. 902-1001, https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2021-0027.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Gray wolf (Canis lupus) predation patterns following recent recolonization in a multi-predator, multi-prey system |
| Series title | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
| DOI | 10.1139/cjz-2021-0027 |
| Volume | 99 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Year Published | 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Seattle |
| Description | 10 p. |
| First page | 902 |
| Last page | 1001 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |