Forage selection by collared pikas, Ochotona collaris, under varying degrees of predation risk
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| Authors: | Morrison, S; Barton, L; Caputa, P; Hik, DS |
| Year: | 2004 |
| Journal: | Can. J. Zool.-Rev. Can. Zool. 82: 533-540 Article Link (DOI) |
| Title: | Forage selection by collared pikas, Ochotona collaris, under varying degrees of predation risk |
| Abstract: | The effects of predation risk on foraging behavior often result in a trade-off between obtaining food and seeking shelter and may alter the selectivity of herbivores for individual plant species. We experimentally measured forage selection by a small alpine herbivore, the collared pika (Ochotona collaris (Nelson, 1893)), using a cafeteria-style arrangement of six potential forage species at five levels of predation risk. Contrary to our prediction, haying pikas did not switch preferences for forage species of different nutritional quality as predation risk increased. However, the total amount of forage removed was inversely related to risk, and the addition of cover at treatments of greatest potential risk ameliorated the negative effects of higher predation risk. The reasons for increased preference for poorer quality forage species in 2002 relative to 2000 are currently unknown but may reflect changes in predator abundance, forage quality, or increased competition for limited forage resources. |
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