Vigilance response of a key prey species to anthropogenic and natural threats in Detroit

Abstract

24Rapid urbanization coupled with increased human influence induces pressures that affect 25 predator-prey relations through a suite of behavioral mechanisms, including alteration of 26 avoidance and coexistence dynamics. Synergisms of natural and anthropogenic threats existing 27 within urban environments exacerbate the necessity for species to differentially modify behavior 28 to each risk. Here, we explore the behavioral response of a key prey species, cottontail rabbits 29 (Sylvilagus floridanus), to anthropogenic and naturogenic pressures in a human-dominated 30 landscape by examining their vigilance levels in green spaces within the city of Detroit, 31Michigan. We conducted the first camera survey in urban parks throughout Detroit in 2017-2020 32 to assess vigilance behavior corresponding to a heterogeneous landscape of risks stimulated by 33 humans, domestic dogs, and a natural predator, coyotes (Canis latrans). We predicted a scaled 34 response where cottontail rabbits would be most vigilant in areas with high coyote activity, 35 moderately vigilant in areas with high domestic dog activity, and the least vigilant in areas of 36 high human activity. From 8,165 independent cottontail rabbit detections in Detroit across 37 11,616 trap nights, one-third were classified as vigilant. We found no significant impact of 38 humans or coyotes spatial hotspots, but vigilance behavior in rabbits significantly increased in 39 hotspots of high activity from domestic dogs. We found little spatial overlap between rabbits and 40 threats, suggesting rabbits invest more in spatial avoidance; thus, less effort is required for 41 vigilance. Our results elucidate strategies of a prey species coping with various risks to advance 42 our understanding of the adaptability of wildlife in urban environments. In order to foster safe 43 and positive interactions between people and wildlife in urban greenspaces, we must understand 44 and anticipate the ecological implications of human-induced behavioral modifications.