The role of predation in affecting the behavior of prey is a central question in ecology. However, rarely do systems exist where manipulation of top predators allows the direct examination of how predators shape prey behavior.
In collaboration with Jim Reichman (UCSB and NCEAS) and Cathy Schwemm (National Park Service and UCSB), I have been studying how the removal and subsequent reintroduction of the Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis) to San Miguel Island has affected the behavior of island mice. To gain additional insight into the maintenance of anti-predator behavior over evolutionary time, we have also been comparing the ability of mice from fox-free and fox-containing islands to discriminate among predator cues.
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