Functional responses of cougars (Puma concolor) in a multiple prey‐species system

Abstract

The study of predator-prey interactions is commonly analyzed using functional responses to gain an understanding of predation patterns and the impact they have on prey populations. Despite this, little is known about predator-prey systems with multiple prey species in sites near the equator. Here we studied the functional response of cougars (Puma concolor) in relation to their main prey, armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), coati (Nasua narica) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Between 2004 and 2010, cougar scats were collected along 5 transects to estimate the consumption of different prey species. A relative abundance index (RAI) was calculated for each prey species and cougar using 18 camera traps. We compared Holling type I, II and III functional response models to determine patterns in prey consumption based on the relative abundance and biomass of each prey species consumed. The 3 main prey species comprised 55% (armadillo), 17% (coati) and 8% (white-tailed deer) of the diet. Type I and II functional responses described consumption of the 2 most common prey species armadillos and coati similarly well, while a type I response best characterized consumption of white-tailed deer. A negative correlation between the proportions of armadillo versus coati and white-tailed deer biomass in cougar scats suggests switching to consume alternative prey, confirming high foraging plasticity of this carnivore. This work represents one of the few studies to compare functional responses across multiple prey species, combined with evidence for prey-switching at low densities of preferred prey.

A camera trapping survey of mammals in the mixed landscape of Bolivia’s Chiquitano region with a special focus on the Jaguar

“…al. 2014;Soria-Díaz et al 2018). As a step towards monitoring local mammal diversity and assessing the value of remnant forest for the conservation of Jaguars, we conducted a survey of medium-sized to large mammals in a cattle ranch and private reserve which are representative of the Chiquitano forest.…”

Temporal and spatial segregation of top predators (Felidae) in a Mexican tropical Biosphere Reserve

“…Generally, jaguars consume larger prey than pumas, and pumas have a more diverse diet (Iriarte et al 1990, Flores-Turdera et al 2021 and can easily switch to other prey when their primary prey population density falls (Soria-Díaz et al 2018). Studies on the temporal activity of jaguars show they are nocturnal in some places of their distribution (Rabinowitz and Nothingham 1986, Emmons 1987, Núñez et al 2002, Maffei et al 2004, Di Bitteti et al 2010.…”

Functional response and egg production of a native Typhlodromus recki Wainstein, 1958 (Acari: Phytoseiidae) population to Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae)

“…Predator and prey interactions are analyzed using functional response which determined consumption rates as function of prey densities. Holling's (1959) models include three types of functional responses: Type I, predator consumption rate increases linearly as density of prey increases, Type II response that a hyperbolic relationship in the predator consumption rate with increasing prey density, and Type III responses are sigmoidal, where the maximum consumption rate is reached at intermediate prey densities, before decreasing at higher densities (Soria-Díaz et al, 2018). Type II functional response, however, are the most common among phytoseiid mites.…”