Is wolf predation ratio-dependent?

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Eberhardt, L. L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1997
• Subjects: Alces alces; Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z97-824; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z97-824

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.