Potential Prey Species and Colonizing Carnivores

Authors(s): J. Berger

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives The intent of this on-going research is to evaluate prey species responses at demographic, behavioral, and ecological levels to the presence and absence of large carnivores. In Grand Teton National Park, populations of grizzly bears and wolves have been increasing, and the research during the past year focused primarily on moose with ancillary data gathered on bison. Findings and Status Among the findings are that: 1) pregnancy rates in GTNP moose have declined from 90% in 1966 to less than 75% in 1999; 2) moose responses to ravens, a species associated with wolves and bears, was significantly less than populations in Alaska exposed consistently to predation by these two large carnivores, suggesting alterations in prey responses as a consequence of the temporary 40-60+ year losses of these species in GTNP; and 3) reproductive synchrony in brucella-infected bison from GTNP did not differ from brucella-free populations from the northern prairies.

Keywords: moose, Alces alces, Cervidae, animal, mammal, canine, Canidae, bird, ornithology, Aves, ungulate, Grand Teton National Park, grizzly bear, bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, Ursidae, predation, wolf, Canis lupus, raven, Corvus corax, Corvidae, brucellosis, disease, population