Mechanisms of herbivore distribution under predation risk

本研究的目的是提供一个机制的理解下捕食风险的食草动物的空间组织。我们将进行研究，以确定生活在公园和农田之间的界面狼捕食的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来减少野生动物与人类的冲突，通过修改资源补丁网络的连接。第一步将是描述野牛范围内捕食风险的时空模式。为此，我们将从野牛范围内的四个不同的狼群中挑选无线电项圈的狼。狼的预期空间使用模式将根据对流扩散模型进行评估，该模型将考虑景观结构，以及邻近狼群和潜在猎物的位置。第二步将是跟踪同样配备GPS项圈的野牛，以评估它们在这种危险环境中的运动决定。然后，我们将使用图论来确定资源补丁网络的某些部分，如果这些部分受到影响，应该会对野牛分布产生强烈且可预测的影响。在此基础上，我们将通过局部但具有战略意义的栖息地改造（例如，通过阻断步道部分，改变草地的资源可用性），通过改变连接模式和重新定位野牛远离公园边界，减少跨界运动。拟议的研究是创新的，因为它将超越简单的描述分布模式和资源选择，揭示了选择过程中所涉及的行为机制。影响动物分布的方法将结合联合收割机严格的科学和适应性管理，这将加快发展创新和有效的保护意义的管理行动。在加拿大，自由放养的平原野牛种群受到威胁（COSEWIC，2004年5月）。跨界活动可能会危及这些野牛的自由放养性质。我们的工作将有助于野牛的管理，提高我们预测和控制它们分布的能力。

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.