| dc.description.abstract | Predators control prey population, density, and fitness through mortality, thus prey species should adapt defence mechanisms to reduce the risk of predation. Such as, changes in habitat selection or increased vigilance. These changes in behaviour are elicited when perceived predation risk is high. Beavers (Castor spp.) adapt risk aversive behaviour when exposed to scent from predators. However, little is known how predator scent affects the within home range habitat selection of beavers, a territorial and monogamous semi-aquatic rodent. The effect of predator scent was assessed by placing scats from either wolf (Canis lupus), horse (Equus caballus, neutral treatment) or control (no scent), on five active locations within the home range of GPS-tracked Eurasian beavers (C. fiber). Changes in habitat selection were investigated by comparing the within home range habitat selection between the treatment types. Additionally, changes in habitat selection between the periods, before, during and after exposure to the treatments were assessed. Beavers selected for increased open vegetation and areas closer to the treatment location but displayed little to no variation in selecting for terrestrial and aquatic areas, when exposed to wolf scent. However, selection was also driven by the social status and age of the individuals, indicating that the habitat selection is driven by other factors. This study provided insight into how beavers assessed predation risk and if it impacted the habitat selection. This may have implication for wildlife management as wolf continue to expand into beaver populations without prior experience with predators.
Keywords: Habitat selection, beaver, Castor fiber, wolf, Canis lupus, predator scent | |