Effects of predation risk and group dynamics on white-tailed deer foraging behavior in a longleaf pine savanna

Cherry, Michael J.; Conner, L. Mike; Warren, Robert J.

doi:10.1093/beheco/arv054

Cited by 64 publications

(69 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…We hypothesized the probability of feeding for all sex‐age classes of deer would be influenced by study site (i.e., BFG or CC), group size, time of day (i.e., daylight vs. night), and coyote abundance (Cherry et al. , ). For yearling males, we also included the presence of adult males because social interactions could influence foraging behavior (Stone et al.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, a study in Georgia, USA, used a series of predator exclosures and control plots in an area where coyotes were the primary nonhuman predator of deer and documented that predation risk influenced foraging behavior (Cherry et al. ) and space use of deer (Conner et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, because deer vigilance also varies as a function of reproductive chronology, conspecific interactions, and group size (Cherry et al. , Stone et al. ), we included a series of variables related to these factors in our models.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Behavioral response of white‐tailed deer to coyote predation risk

et al. 2018

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Behavioral responses of prey to predation risk can affect lower trophic levels. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; hereafter deer) increase vigilance in response to coyote (Canis latrans) presence, but vigilance responses to spatiotemporal variation in coyote abundance are unknown. Therefore, we examined the relationship between deer foraging behavior and coyote abundance on two 2000‐ha study areas in Georgia, USA, during 2010–2013. We used baited camera traps during fall and winter to quantify deer behavior (i.e., feeding or vigilant) and estimated coyote abundance using fecal genotyping to noninvasively mark and recapture individuals. During 2011 and 2012, coyote removals were implemented on each study area. Coyote abundance (i.e., predation risk) varied spatiotemporally and was a predictor of foraging behavior during at least one season for all sex‐age classes of deer except juveniles. Adult males were more sensitive to predation risk in winter, after the breeding season, whereas adult females were sensitive to predation risk during both seasons, but more so during fall when offspring are at greater risk. Yearling males were more sensitive to predation risk than adult males, and juveniles were least sensitive to predation risk, likely because of inexperience and high energetic demands. Reproductive chronology explained sex‐specific and seasonal antipredator responses to predation risk, but there was a non‐linear relationship between indirect predator effects and direct predation risk for some sex‐age classes. Our results suggest deer detect and respond behaviorally to variation in coyote abundance. Due to the widespread distribution of deer and their interactions at multiple trophic levels, the ecological implications of this finding may be wide‐reaching.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Behavioral response of white‐tailed deer to coyote predation risk

et al. 2018

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“…The species’ expansive range and high abundance have afforded investigators the opportunity to study antipredator behaviors in the context of region‐specific factors such as climate, habitat, and predator community. From the boreal forests of Canada populated by wolves ( Canis lupus ) to the tropical rainforests of South America inhabited by puma ( Puma concolor ) and jaguar ( Panthera onca ), a robust literature describes antipredator responses including grouping behavior, flight distance, alarm signaling, vigilance, giving‐up densities, and shifts in space use (Brown, ; Cherry, Conner, & Warren, ; Hirth & McCullough, ; LaGory, ; Lashley et al, ; Lingle, ; Messier & Barrette, ; Rieucau, Vickery, & Doucet, ). However, little is known about how deer behaviorally negotiate variability of predation risk across the landscape at both diel and seasonal time scales.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronology of reproductive investment determines predation risk aversion in a felid‐ungulate system

Crawford

Cherry

Kelly

et al. 2019

Ecology and Evolution

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Fear of predators can behaviorally mediate prey population dynamics, particularly when predation risk influences reproductive investment. However, the costs of reproductive investment may mitigate predation risk aversion relative to periods when the link between reproductive output and prey behavior is weaker. We posit that intensity of reproductive investment in ungulates may predict their response to predation risk such that the sexes increase risk exposure during biological seasons that are pivotal to reproductive success, such as the fawn‐rearing and breeding seasons for females and males, respectively. We examined the activity patterns of sympatric white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a sexually segregated polygynous ungulate, and Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) in the context of the “risky times – risky places hypothesis” and the reproductive strategy hypothesis. We compared detection rates and diel activity overlap of both species using motion‐triggered camera traps positioned on (n = 120) and off (n = 60) anthropogenic trails across five reproductive seasons. Florida panthers were nocturnal and primarily observed on‐trail providing an experimental framework with risky times and risky places. Contrary to studies in other taxa inversely correlating prey reproductive investment to predation risk, the sexes of deer were more risk prone during sex‐specific seasons associated with intense reproductive investment. Our results suggest spatiotemporally variable predation risk influences sex‐specific behavioral decision‐making in deer such that reproductive success is maximized.

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“…For example, depredation of fawns by coyotes ( Canis latrans ) has become problematic for many deer populations in the U.S. South (Kilgo et al , ). Intensive predator control or exclusion may improve fawn survival, and lactation rate might be employed as one measure of program success (Howze et al , Cherry , Kilgo et al , Proffitt et al , Conner et al ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sensitivity analysis demonstrates limits to utility of lactation index for white‐tailed deer management

et al. 2018

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Recruitment estimates are critical for making wildlife harvest decisions. Lactation rate is used to estimate recruitment in monotocous species and as a recruitment index for polytocous species such as white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). However, the relationship between lactation and recruitment has never been formally tested, and the suitability of the lactation index as a management tool for deer has been assumed rather than confirmed. We simulated the response of lactation rates to variation in fawn recruitment stemming from changes in fecundity and neonatal mortality. Additionally, we examined effects of sample size on precision of lactation rate estimates. The relationship between recruitment and lactation rate was nearly linear when fecundity = 1.0, but became progressively less so as fecundity increased. Fawn mortality and herd fecundity explained 99% of the variability in lactation rate, and fawn mortality explained five times more variability than fecundity. Precision of lactation rate was highly affected by sample size, greatly reducing the quality of information available from small samples. Confidently assessing recruitment trends in moderately to highly productive populations may commonly require sample sizes unavailable on small properties. Biologists on properties with limited sample size should seek other, unrelated measures of recruitment to supplement or replace lactation rate. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

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Effects of predation risk and group dynamics on white-tailed deer foraging behavior in a longleaf pine savanna

Cited by 64 publications

References 84 publications

Behavioral response of white‐tailed deer to coyote predation risk

Behavioral response of white‐tailed deer to coyote predation risk

Chronology of reproductive investment determines predation risk aversion in a felid‐ungulate system

Sensitivity analysis demonstrates limits to utility of lactation index for white‐tailed deer management

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