IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Fuller, T.K. | |
| Carnivore demography and the consequences of changes in prey availability | |
| 1998 Conference Proceeding | |
For many carnivores, variation and long-term change in prey abundance and availability are the major natural forces that influence population viability. Food resources have been shown to affect carnivore reproduction by influencing the average age of first reproduction and litter size. Mortality rates of juveniles, in particular, are sensitive to changes in food availability. In combination, these changes in reproduction and mortality importantly affect carnivore carnivore density: this relationship has been documented both at temporal and geographical scales. Carnivore species with relatively narrow diet breadth appear to be affected more profoundly by changes in food resource availability. However, competition and predation on the carnivores themselves can confound this relationship. In addition, predation by carnivores may affect their own food supply abundance in the short and long term, and shortages of primary prey may lead to prey switching. The demographic consequences of changes in carnivore food resources clearly are an essential component of carnivore conservation planning. |
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