Causes and consequences of niche variation in humans and other predators: ecological and evolutionary insight into foraging, fishing and hunting

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The use of resources unites all living organisms, including humans. As a result of competition, however, organisms tend to occupy their own niche comprised of a subset of all available resources. Different species, populations, and even individuals can use distinct resources. We know that such variation has enormous implications to the ecological and evolutionary environments organisms face, and consequently how they look, behave and interact with others. Less well known is what processes can shape, re-shape and maintain this variation in niche. My research group examines this central question by asking how large and naturally fragmented landscapes can influence variation in food niches from the species to individual levels in large mammalian predators. We also study the niche of the most influential mammalian predator of all - human beings - and the effects hunters and fishers have on their competitors and prey. It is important to understand the behaviour of a predator that consumes the largest variety of prey of any predator, kills at extraordinarily high rates, and targets large reproductive adults within populations. My research program has developed a long-term field system and several literature- and database-focused projects. In the field we study how wolves, black bears, and grizzly bears compete with one another - and fisheries - for salmon, which comprises a critical central resource. Our database projects examine the global influence of fisheries, subsistence harvesters, and recreational hunters on the ecology and evolution of shared prey. The intended outcomes include providing a rich and productive learning environment for trainees, from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels. Our team will emerge with a better understanding of the causes and consequences of niche variation - an under-examined component of biodiversity. In doing so, we aim to provide new insight to ecological and evolutionary theory related to predators and prey. We also seek new information about hunters and fishers to identify management strategies that might reduce harvest-related impacts. Collectively, via engagement with wildlife and fisheries managers, this new knowledge can benefit wildlife, fishes and people of Canada and beyond.