Data for: Spatial prey availability and pulsed reproductive tactics: encounter risk in a canid-ungulate system
Data files
Jan 31, 2024 version files 5.07 MB
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coyote_speed.csv
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coyote_turn.csv
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encounter_distances.csv
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encounter_prob.csv
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README.md
Abstract
- Predation risk is a function of spatiotemporal overlap between predator and prey, as well as behavioral responses during encounters. Dynamic factors (e.g., group size, prey availability, and animal movement or state) affect risk, but rarely are integrated in risk assessments. Our work targets a system where predation risk is fundamentally linked to temporal patterns in prey abundance and behavior. For neonatal ungulate prey, risk is defined within a short temporal window during which the pulse in parturition, increasing movement capacity with age, and anti-predation tactics have the potential to mediate risk.
- In our coyote – mule deer (Canis latrans – Odocoileus hemionus) system, leveraging GPS data collected from both predator and prey, we tested expectations of the shared enemy and reproductive risk hypotheses. We asked two questions regarding risk: (A) how do primary and alternative prey habitat, predator and prey activity, and reproductive tactics (e.g., birth synchrony, maternal defense) influence vulnerability of a neonate encountering a predator? (B) How do the same factors affect behavior by predators relative to time before and after an encounter?
- Despite increased selection for mule deer and intensified search behavior by coyotes during the peak in mule deer parturition, mule deer were afforded protection from predation via predator swamping, experiencing reduced per-capita encounter risk when most neonates were born. Mule deer occupying rabbit habitat (Sylvilagus spp.; coyote’s primary prey) experienced the greatest risk of encounter but the availability of rabbit habitat did not affect predator behavior during encounters. Encounter risk increased in areas with greater availability of mule deer habitat, coyotes shifted their behavior relative to deer habitat, and the pulse in mule deer parturition and movement of neonatal deer during encounters elicited increased speed and tortuosity by coyotes.
- In addition to the spatial distribution of prey, temporal patterns in prey availability, and animal behavioral state were fundamental in defining risk. Our work reveals the nuanced consequences of pulsed availability on predation risk for alternative prey, whereby responses by predators to sudden resource availability, the lasting effects of diversionary prey, and inherent antipredation tactics ultimately dictate risk.
README: SPATIAL PREY AVAILABILITY AND PULSED REPRODUCTIVE TACTICS: ENCOUNTER RISK IN A CANID – UNGULATE SYSTEM
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jsxksn0j1
Data prepared by:
Mitchell J. Brunet, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, 804 E. Fremont St., Laramie, Wyoming, 82072, USA
Email: mitch.j.brunet@gmail.com
Associated manuscript: Brunet, M. J., K. S. Huggler, J. D. Holbrook, P. W. Burke, M. Zornes, P. Lionberger, K. L. Monteith. Spatial prey availability and pulsed reproductive tactics: encounter risk in a canid–ungulate system. Journal of Animal Ecology.
Contains data assessed during encounters between neonatal mule deer and coyotes for use in evaluating the spatiotemporal factors that contribute to encounters and influence predator behavior.
NOTE: It is not recommended to open CSV files in Excel. Large files extend beyond the allowable number of rows and are clipped. Consider loading files directly into Program R or elsewhere.
Description of the Data and file structure
Encounter distances
File: encounter_distances.csv
Displays the distance in meters for each encounter (n=378) as assessed based on coyote locations. Not used directly in the analyses.
Spatiotemporal factors affecting probability of encounter
File: encounter_prob.csv
Predictors are scaled and centered\
Variables:
- encounter = was the location an encounter? (TRUE = yes, FALSE = no)
- fawn_hab = fawn habitat ranking (1-10)
- rabbit_hab = rabbit habitat ranking (1-10)
- dist_fawn2mom = average distance between fawn and mother during the encounter window (meters)
- fawn_avail = count of living GPS-collared fawns
- fawn_speed = average speed of fawn during the encounter window (meters/hour)
- coyote_active = was the location during coyote active period? (TRUE = yes, FALSE = no)
- fawn_id = fawn identification number
Spatiotemporal factors affecting coyote speed during encounter
File: coyote_speed.csv
Predictors are scaled and centered\
Variables:
- coyote_speed = speed of coyote (meters/hour)
- coyote_id = coyote identification number
- time_day = hourly time of day (0-24)
- time2encounter = time from encounter (hours)
- fawn_hab = fawn habitat ranking (1-10)
- rabbit_hab = rabbit habitat ranking (1-10)
- coyote_turn = coyote turning angle (0–180° expressed as a proportion)
- dist_fawn2mom = average distance between fawn and mother during the encounter window (meters), fawn_speed = average speed of fawn during the encounter window (meters/hour)
- fawn_avail = count of living GPS-collared fawns
- dist_fawn2coyote = distance between coyote and fawn’s encounter location (meters)
- spatial_autocov = spatial autocovariate used to account for autocorrelaion
Spatiotemporal factors affecting coyote turning angle during encounter
File: coyote_turn.csv
Predictors are scaled and centered\
Variables:
- coyote_turn = coyote turning angle (0–180° expressed as a proportion)
- coyote_id = coyote identification number
- time_day = hourly time of day (0-24)
- time2encounter = time from encounter (hours)
- fawn_hab = fawn habitat ranking (1-10)
- rabbit_hab = rabbit habitat ranking (1-10)
- coyote_speed = speed of coyote (meters/hour)
- dist_fawn2mom = average distance between fawn and mother during the encounter window (meters)
- fawn_speed = average speed of fawn during the encounter window (meters/hour)
- fawn_avail = count of living GPS-collared fawns
- dist_fawn2coyote = distance between coyote and fawn’s encounter location (meters)