title: Plastic response of fearful prey to the spatiotemporal dynamics of predator distribution.
abstract: Ecological theory predicts that the intensity of antipredator responses is dependent upon the spatiotemporal context of predation risk (the risk allocation hypothesis). However, most studies to date have been conducted over small spatial extents, and did not fully take into account gradual responses to predator proximity. We simultaneously collected spatially explicit data on predator and prey to investigate acute responses of a threatened forest ungulate, the boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus), to the spatiotemporal dynamics of wolf (Canis lupus) distribution during spring. Movement analysis of GPS-collared individuals from both species revealed high plasticity in habitat-selection decisions of caribou. Female caribou avoided open areas and deciduous forests and moved relatively fast and toward foraging areas when wolves were closer than 2.5 km. Caribou also avoided food-rich areas only when wolves were within 1 km. Our results bridge the gap between long-term perceived risk and immediate flight responses by revealing dynamic antipredator tactics in response to predator proximity.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Basille
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fortin
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dussault
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bastille-Rousseau
authors.forename: Jean-pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ouellet
authors.forename: Rthaume
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Courtois
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D003710:Demography; D017753:Ecosystem; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D008954:Models, Biological; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012053:Reindeer / Q000502:physiology*; D062211:Spatio-Temporal Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D019596:Wolves / Q000502:physiology*