Abstract
Predation by owls upon two sympatric species of subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys was studied by comparing characteristics of individuals that were field-trapped and preyed upon. Predators took a greater proportion of the smaller C. talarum than of the larger C. australis in comparison to that estimated from their respective field densities. Only subadult individuals of C. australis were found among pellets. For C. talarum , a greater proportion of subadults than of adults was observed in pellets. We suggest that this pattern is determined both by constraints imposed by size of prey on the ability of a predator to handle large prey and by greater exposure of dispersing subadults to predation. Differential predation possibly maintains the habitat segregation observed between C. talarum and C. australis .
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
