Is wolf predation ratio-dependent?
The controversy over whether wolves (Canis lupus) can regulate ungulate numbers is difficult to assess, owing to data limitations, relaxation of predator control, and the fact that current predator – prey theory was developed from the study of invertebrate populations. A ratio-dependent predator – p...
Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
---|---|
Main Author: | |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1997
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z97-824 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z97-824 |
Summary: | The controversy over whether wolves (Canis lupus) can regulate ungulate numbers is difficult to assess, owing to data limitations, relaxation of predator control, and the fact that current predator – prey theory was developed from the study of invertebrate populations. A ratio-dependent predator – prey model appears to be supported by data on predation on ungulates, and the data indicate that wolves have a significant impact on numbers of moose (Alces alces), and thus can exert a regulatory effect on that species. |
---|