Predation risk assessment through predator counts (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on Predation risk assessment through predator counts (Sciuridae) with 71 nodes and 205 connections. Top connected: Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Marmota, Yellow-bellied Marmot, Colorado East River Valley.

Method synopsis

Systematic predator monitoring during behavioral observations to quantify predation pressure. Creates predation index by dividing predator counts by observation time per colony site.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 5 papers using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — More social female yellow-bellied marmots, <i>Marmota flaviventer</i>, have enhanced summer survival (2020), Animal Behaviour. The protocol was originally introduced by Variation in vigilance of yellow-bellied marmots due to predator pressure (2009). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Predation pressure assessment
   Predation index was calculated based on the number of predators sighted during the marmot observation sessions. The number of observations sessions was summed, during which a predator was sighted and the median number of predator sightings was determined across all colonies and years. A median split was used to define low and high predation pressure.
   Quantities: Median split used to categorize predation pressure as high/lowDuration: Calculated annually based on observation sessions throughout each active seasonConditions: Based on predator sightings during marmot behavioral observations
   Equipment: observation data from behavioral sessions

Typical Equipment

• binoculars or observation equipment (not specified)

Output Measurements

• predation index
• predator detection rate

Papers Using This Protocol (5)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used