Can prey behaviour induce spatially synchronic aggregation of solitary predators?

Authored by Carlos J Melian, Vincenzo Penteriani, Miguel A Fortuna, Fermin Otalora, Miguel Ferrer

Date Published: 2006

DOI: 10.1111/j.0030-1299.2006.14547.x

Sponsors: European Union

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Spatio-temporal patterns of predator aggregations within their settlement areas (i.e. temporary settling zones used during dispersal or, more generally, foraging patches) were studied. By integrating the main behavioural rules of juveniles of Spanish imperial eagles Aquila adalberti during dispersal with the temporal availability of the eagles' main prey, we have developed several individual-based models under different simulation scenarios. The results suggest that the spatially synchrony of the aggregation patterns that we observed were derived from a combination of behavioural responses of the prey and the distances between available settlement areas. These results are discussed in the context of predator-prey relationships, optimal foraging and self-organizing processes.
Tags
self-organization Population persistence Model habitat Public information Pattern-formation Small mammals Conspecific attraction Environmental stochasticity Foraging group-size