![]() ![]() Thus, examination of predator-killed carcasses provides insight into the hunting ecology of predators and the habitat decisions of their prey (see, – ). In the same study system (Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, USA), wolf-killed moose exhibit age-specific variation in habitat use demonstrating that moose habitat decisions also affect the distribution of wolf-moose interactions. For instance, wolf ( Canis lupus) predation influences the distribution of moose ( Alces alces) carcasses where subsequent decomposition increases soil nutrient cycling and corresponding plant growth. Recent evidence, derived from examination of predator-killed carcasses in mammalian systems however, suggests otherwise. However, given that life history stages are not so pronounced in mammals, they would seem not to have an important influence on landscape patterns in predation. These material exchanges between predators, prey, and the landscape have important implications for prey population stability, trophic dynamics, and ecosystem function –. Within mammalian systems predators are often depicted as causal agents influencing spatial patterns regulating prey abundance and mediating herbivory, –. For instance, intricate landscape patterns in predation are apparent for some insects, amphibians, and marine fish as a result of complicated life history strategies, such as individuals relying on different habitats during various stages of their life cycle (e.g.,, ). Landscape patterns of predation are also attributable to complex prey life histories. Such variation has been observed across a variety of spatial scales – and can result from climatic conditions, the effect of habitat heterogeneity on predation risk, and from anthropogenic habitat disturbance –. ![]() Spatial variation in predation pressure is a fundamental feature of predation ecology. Landscape patterns emerging from prey life history dynamics and habitat heterogeneity have been observed in the predation ecology of fish and insects, but this is the first mammalian system for which such observations have been made. These differences can be attributed, at least in part, to senescent moose being more vulnerable to predation and making different risk-sensitive habitat decisions than prime moose. Moreover, the probability of kill occurrence for senescent moose, in comparison to prime moose, increased in high elevation habitat with patches of dense coniferous trees. Predation on senescent moose was clustered in one kill zone in the northeast portion of the island, whereas predation on prime moose was clustered in 13 separate kill zones distributed throughout the full extent of the island. We use pattern analysis and kernel density estimates of moose kill sites to demonstrate that moose in senescent condition and moose in prime condition tend to be wolf-killed in different regions of Isle Royale in winter. We demonstrate how life history dynamics of moose ( Alces alces) contribute to landscape patterns in predation by wolves ( Canis lupus) in Isle Royale National Park, Lake Superior, USA. Little attention has been given to how the influence of habitat heterogeneity on the landscape ecology of predation might be modulated by life history dynamics of prey in mammalian systems. The landscape ecology of predation is well studied and known to be influenced by habitat heterogeneity.
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