Density-dependent predation by skunks using olfactory search images.

Abstract

The formation of search images can create density-dependent predation. Predators have been shown to form search images when searching for many small prey items in one feeding session. This paper reports experiments that test whether striped skunks can form olfactory search images in other situations: when prey are found over several days, when prey are large, and when prey are found in certain habitats. Striped skunks were raised in captivity, and their reaction distance to food was measured outside in a natural grassy area. In experiment 1 skunks were offered many small food items for several days in a row. From one day to the next, skunks initially detected food from further away, they increased detection distance faster and their maximum detection distance increased - i.e., they formed olfactory search images faster and stronger from one day to the next. In experiment 2 skunks formed search images over several days when finding only one large food item per day. In experiment 3 skunks lost olfactory search images when they entered habitats in which they had previously searched for another type of food. These long-term search images magnify the effects of short-term search images, extend the effects of short- term search image to longer time spans, and affect different species from short-term search images.