Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: Understanding patch departure rules for large carnivores: lion movements support a patch-disturbance hypothesis

Cite this dataset

Valeix, Marion et al. (2011). Data from: Understanding patch departure rules for large carnivores: lion movements support a patch-disturbance hypothesis [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8861

Abstract

We test two hypotheses that could account for patch departure by large mammalian carnivores. One hypothesis is the unsuccessful hunt hypothesis, where carnivores leave an area after an unsuccessful hunt but continue hunting in the same area after a successful hunt. The second hypothesis is the patch disturbance hypothesis, where carnivores depart the area after a successful hunt because of behavioral responses of prey to predator presence. We used GPS-collars to monitor the movements of African lions (Panthera leo) and identified their kill sites to distinguish between these two hypotheses. Lions moved to a different area (>5 km) after 87 percent of the kills, which supports the patch disturbance hypothesis for patch departure behavior of large mammalian carnivores.

Usage notes

Location

Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe