Effects of Olfactory Cues on Artificial-Nest Experiments

Whelan, Christopher J.; Dilger, Michael L.; Robson, Dave; Hallyn, Nathalie; Dilger, Steven

doi:10.2307/4088826

Cited by 165 publications

(103 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…High temperatures and direct sunlight destroy odorants and decrease the scent available for a predator to detect, while low temperatures and humidity counteract these effects and keep odors viable (Gutzwiller 1990). Heavy rain or snow washes away or obscures depositional odor trails (Whelan et al 1994). High wind velocities, turbulence, and shifting wind direction can dilute an odor plume beyond a predator's ability to detect it (Shivik 2002;Conover 2007;Borgo 2008).…”

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confidence: 99%

Influence of Wind and Humidity on Foraging Behavior of Olfactory Mesopredators

Ruzicka

Conover

2011

Can Field Nat

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Many mammalian predators rely on scents to locate prey and weather conditions that affect an odor plume (i.e., scents suspended in air) or depositional odor (i.e., scents laid on the ground) should affect predator foraging behavior. We predicted that wind speed, wind direction, and humidity would influence the foraging behavior of olfactory mesopredators. We tested these predictions by conducting spotlight surveys for foraging Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and Raccoons (Procyon lotor) along the dike surrounding Willard Bay Reservoir in Willard, Utah, from August 2008 to August 2009. We recorded predator species, locations, numbers, and weather conditions at the time each predator was observed. While humidity had no effect on foraging, wind speed and direction were significant predictors of a predator's nightly foraging activity, with most predators observed when wind speeds were 2 to 4 m/s and winds were blowing perpendicularly over the dike the dike rather than parallel to the dike. Wind speed and direction also influenced where predators foraged on the dike, with predators being more likely to forage on the windward side of the dike when wind speeds were high enough to cause turbulence. We detected differences among predator species in their response to wind speed: Raccoons were more active than Striped Skunks and Red Foxes when the wind was calm and blowing parallel to the dike. Overall, our results indicate that these predator species alter their foraging behavior based on wind speed and wind direction. By foraging when winds were light and blowing perpendicularly over the dike, predators could likely enhance their ability to locate food using olfaction.

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confidence: 99%

Influence of Wind and Humidity on Foraging Behavior of Olfactory Mesopredators

Ruzicka

Conover

2011

Can Field Nat

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“…The concealment of human scent should be an important consideration for researchers. Neophilic predators may increase their search radius when a particular scent cue is present (Whelan et al 1994), possibly rendering human-visited nests more susceptible to predation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These predators are nocturnal and locate nests using audition (when the hen flushes) and olfaction (Larivière and Messier 1997). Although substances that may attract predators to nests have been investigated (Whelan et al 1994;Clark and Wobeser 1997), scents that may repel predators from nests have yet to be tested.…”

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confidence: 99%

Do Repugnant Scents Increase Survival of Ground Nests? A Test with Artificial and Natural Duck Nests

Harriman

Pitt

Larivière³

2007

Can Field Nat

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Larivière. 2007. Do repugnant scents increase survival of ground nests? A test with artificial and natural duck nests. Canadian Field-Naturalist 121(2): 150-154.Ground-nesting birds typically experience high predation rates on their nests, often by mammalian predators. As such, researchers and wildlife managers have employed numerous techniques to mitigate nest predation. We investigated the use of scents as repellents to deter predators from both artificial and natural ground nests. Survival rates of artificial nests did not differ among six groups of substances (Wald χ 2 df = 5 = 4.53, P < 0.48); however the chronology of predation among groups differed. A commercial Coyote urine based deterrent (DEER-D-TER TM ), human hair, and Worcestershire sauce were depredated faster than the control (F 4,5 = 40.3, P < 0.001). Nest survival of natural nests differed among those groups tested (Wald χ 2 df = 2 = 11.8, P < 0.005); the eight mothball treatment decreased survival (Wald χ 2 df = 1 = 11.5, P < 0.005), which indicated that novel smells may attract predators or result in duck nest abandonment when coupled with natural duck scent. Chronologies of predation events among treatment groups were not different for natural nests (F 2,3 = 1.9, P = 0.22). These findings indicate an interaction between novel scents and predator olfactory cues.

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“…Before placement, nests were left outdoors in an undisturbed state for 5-7 days to minimize human odors as suggested by Donalty and Henke (2001). Predators can cue on human odors at artificial nests (Whelan et al 1994), but this can be minimized by rain or scents (Donalty and Henke 2001). To address this concern, eggs were rinsed with distilled water and handled with rubber gloves when placed on nests (Small and Hunter 1988).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predation on Artificial Nests of Northern Bobwhites, <em>Colinus virginianus</em>, by Mammalian Mesopredators: Does the Problem-Individual Paradigm Fit?

et al. 2006

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Using mark/recapture procedures, predation on artificial nests of Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) by mammalian mesopredators (Raccoons, Procyon lotor; Virginia Opossums, Didelphis virginiana; and Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis) was assessed in relation to the "problem-individual" paradigm. The paradigm, which is untested among mammalian mesopredators, predicts that most predation on a prey species is by a small number of individuals repeatedly involved. By examining number of captures and recaptures on artificial nests during non-nesting and nesting periods in 2000-2003, predation within and among species were gauged. Results varied by species, sampling period, and year; however, predation was by a small percentage of individuals and only within the population of Striped Skunks were individuals (2 of 49) captured on an artificial nest more than once. Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and Striped Skunks were responsible for 10, 2, and 12% of the loss of all nests available to predators, respectively. Based on low occurrences of individuals repeatedly involved in predation on nests, the problemindividual paradigm was unsubstantiated. Although Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and Striped Skunks (as individual predators) had only moderate impact on the population of Northern Bobwhites, they had a much greater impact collectively (preying upon 24% of all nests available). To maximize Northern Bobwhite success, the most productive management is probably best directed toward a vertebrate guild that includes mammalian, avian, and reptilian predators, and management strategies that use multiple techniques.

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Effects of Olfactory Cues on Artificial-Nest Experiments

Cited by 165 publications

References 18 publications

Influence of Wind and Humidity on Foraging Behavior of Olfactory Mesopredators

Influence of Wind and Humidity on Foraging Behavior of Olfactory Mesopredators

Do Repugnant Scents Increase Survival of Ground Nests? A Test with Artificial and Natural Duck Nests

Predation on Artificial Nests of Northern Bobwhites, <em>Colinus virginianus</em>, by Mammalian Mesopredators: Does the Problem-Individual Paradigm Fit?

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