Mechanisms of herbivore distribution under predation risk

这项研究的目的是提供对食草动物在捕食风险下的空间组织的机械性理解。我们将进行研究，以确定在公园和农田之间的交界处生活在狼捕食风险下的野牛的时空动态的主要决定因素。然后，我们将使用这些信息通过修改资源补丁网络中的连接来减少野生动物与人类之间的冲突。第一步将是描述野牛范围内捕食风险的时空模式。为了做到这一点，我们将无线电项圈狼位于野牛范围内的四个不同的群体。狼的预期空间使用模式将基于平流-扩散模型进行评估，该模型将考虑到景观结构，以及邻近狼群和潜在猎物的位置。第二步还将跟踪同样配备了GPS项圈的野牛，以评估它们在这种危险环境中的移动决策。然后我们将使用图论来定位资源补丁网络的部分，如果受到影响，应该会对野牛分布产生强烈和可预测的影响。在此基础上，我们将通过局部但战略性的栖息地修改(例如，封锁步道路段、改变草甸的资源可获得性)在网络上进行景观规模的实验，通过改变连接模式和将野牛重新定向到远离公园边界的地方来减少跨境移动。拟议的研究具有创新性，因为它将超越对分配模式和资源选择的简单描述，揭示选择过程中涉及的行为机制。影响动物分布的方法将结合严格的科学和适应性管理，这将加快具有保护意义的创新和有效管理行动的发展。自由放牧的平原野牛种群在加拿大受到威胁(COSEWIC，2004年5月)。越境迁徙可能会危及这些野牛的自由放牧性质。我们的工作将通过提高我们预测和控制野牛分布的能力来帮助野牛管理。

This objective of this research is to provide a mechanistic understanding of the spatial organization of herbivores under predation risk. We will conduct research to identify the main determinants of the spatio-temporal dynamics of bison living under the risk of wolf predation at the interface between parklands and agricultural lands. We will then use this information to reduce wildlife-human conflicts by modifying connectivity in a resource patch network. The first step will be to characterize spatio-temporal patterns of predation risk within the bison range. To do so, we will radio-collared wolves from four different packs located within the bison range. Expected space use patterns by wolves will be assessed based on advection-diffusion modeling that will account for landscape structure, together with the location of neighbouring wolf packs and potential prey. The second step will be to also follow bison also equipped with GPS collars to evaluate their movement decisions in this risky environment. We will then use graph theory to pin point parts of the resource patch network that, if impacted, should have strong and predictable effects on bison distribution. On this basis, we will carry out a landscape-scale experiment on the network by local - yet strategic - habitat modifications (e.g., by blocking trail sections, changing resource availability in meadows) to reduce cross-boundary movements by altering connectivity patterns and reorienting bison away from the park's boundaries. The proposed research is innovative because it will go beyond the simple description of distribution patterns and resource selection by revealing the behavioural mechanisms involved in the selection process. The approach to influencing animal distribution will combine rigorous science and adaptive management, which will speed the development of innovative and effective management actions of conservation significance. Free-ranging plains bison populations are threatened in Canada (COSEWIC, May 2004). Cross-boundary movements may jeopardize the free-ranging nature of these bison. Our work will help bison management by increasing our ability to predict and control their distribution.