Abstract
Quantification of fine-scale movement, performance, and energetics of hunting by large carnivores is critical for understanding the physiological underpinnings of trophic interactions. This is particularly challenging for wide-ranging terrestrial canid and felid predators, which can each affect ecosystem structure through distinct hunting modes. To compare free-ranging pursuit and escape performance from group-hunting and solitary predators in unprecedented detail, we calibrated and deployed accelerometer-GPS collars during predator-prey chase sequences using packs of hound dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, 26 kg, n = 4–5 per chase) pursuing simultaneously instrumented solitary pumas (Puma concolor, 60 kg, n = 2). We then reconstructed chase paths, speed and turning angle profiles, and energy demands for hounds and pumas to examine performance and physiological constraints associated with cursorial and cryptic hunting modes, respectively. Interaction dynamics revealed how pumas successfully utilized terrain (e.g., fleeing up steep, wooded hillsides) as well as evasive maneuvers (e.g., jumping into trees, running in figure-8 patterns) to increase their escape distance from the overall faster hounds (avg. 2.3× faster). These adaptive strategies were essential to evasion in light of the mean 1.6× higher mass-specific energetic costs of the chase for pumas compared to hounds (mean: 0.76 vs. 1.29 kJ kg−1 min−1, respectively). On an instantaneous basis, escapes were more costly for pumas, requiring exercise at ≥90% of predicted n}{}dot {mathrm{V }}{mathrm{O}}_{2mathrm{MAX}} and consuming as much energy per minute as approximately 5 min of active hunting. Our results demonstrate the marked investment of energy for evasion by a large, solitary carnivore and the advantage of dynamic maneuvers to postpone being overtaken by group-hunting canids.
Highlights
Hunting modes in sympatric large carnivores have evolved and diversified, with members of the families Felidae and Canidae exhibiting nearly opposite prey detection and capture techniques characterized by cryptic ambushing or cursorial pursuit, respectively (Table 1)
Collar-derived accelerometer signatures were correlated to gait-specific locomotor costs by simultaneously measuring oxygen consumption (V O2) and overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA; Qasem et al, 2012; Wilson et al, 2006) of the animals during steady-state resting and treadmill running (Williams et al, 2014; Bryce & Williams, 2017)
Respectively, where V O2 is in ml O2 kg−1 min−1 and ODBA is in g
Summary
Hunting modes in sympatric large carnivores have evolved and diversified, with members of the families Felidae and Canidae exhibiting nearly opposite prey detection and capture techniques characterized by cryptic ambushing or cursorial pursuit, respectively (Table 1). How to cite this article Bryce et al (2017), Energetics and evasion dynamics of large predators and prey: pumas vs hounds. Scale of habitat features impacting hunt successf Relative activity and energetic demand of hunt’s attack phase. E.g., puma, leopard, jaguar Cryptic stalking & pouncing; ‘‘Surprise & subdue’’ Solitary Low (opportunistic); Prior to attack Short; Lower risk of injury/death Sufficient structural cover for concealment during stalking and brief pursuit Small-scale habitat features. Often group/pack High (selective); Often during pursuit Prolonged; Higher risk of injury/death Relatively open terrain that facilitates prolonged pursuit Large-scale landscape heterogeneity
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