Predation risk assessment through predator counts (Sciuridae)

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Knowledge graph centered on Predation risk assessment through predator counts (Sciuridae) with 62 nodes and 143 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, mark-recapture (Sciuridae), focal animal sampling (Sciuridae), antipredator behavior, interspecific competition.

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 — Is flight initiation distance associated with longer-term survival in yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventer? (2023), 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.

Assess predation risk
Classified predation risk as high or low using a predation index calculated by dividing the number of predators seen in a colony by the number of minutes spent observing that colony that year. Looked for predators whenever conducting behavioural observations throughout the field season (early May through early September). Observed each colony area for 141.52 h each year and recorded an average of 146.13 predators across all colonies each year.
Quantities: 141.52 h observation per colony per year, average of 146.13 predators recorded per year across all coloniesDuration: Early May through early September each yearConditions: Throughout field season during behavioral observations
Equipment: binoculars or observation equipment (not specified)