| Incidental nest predation in freshwater turtles: inter- and intraspecific differences in vulnerability are explained by relative crypsis. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 22009341 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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There has long been interest in the influence of predators on prey populations, although most predator-prey studies have focused on prey species that are targets of directed predator searching. Conversely, few have addressed depredation that occurs after incidental encounters with predators. We tested two predictions stemming from the hypothesis that nest predation on two sympatric freshwater turtle species whose nests are differentially prone to opportunistic detection-painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina)-is incidental: (1) predation rates should be density independent, and (2) individual predators should not alter their foraging behavior after encountering nests. After monitoring nest survival and predator behavior following nest depredation over 2 years, we confirmed that predation by raccoons (Procyon lotor), the primary nest predators in our study area, matched both predictions. Furthermore, cryptic C. picta nests were victimized with lower frequency than more detectable C. serpentina nests, and nests of both species were more vulnerable in human-modified areas where opportunistic nest discovery is facilitated. Despite apparently being incidental, predation on nests of both species was intensive (57% for painted turtles, 84% for snapping turtles), and most depredations occurred within 1 day of nest establishment. By implication, predation need not be directed to affect prey demography, and factors influencing prey crypsis are drivers of the impact of incidental predation on prey. Our results also imply that efforts to conserve imperiled turtle populations in human-modified landscapes should include restoration of undisturbed conditions that are less likely to expose nests to incidental predators. |
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Authors:
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Aaron J Wirsing; Julia R Phillips; Martyn E Obbard; Dennis L Murray |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-10-19 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Oecologia Volume: - ISSN: 1432-1939 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Oct |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-10-19 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0150372 Medline TA: Oecologia Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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School of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA, wirsinga@u.washington.edu. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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