Predation

There is considerable discussion whether ungulate populations are regulated from below (forage) or above (predators).  Another issue is whether parasites and diseases can be treated like micropredators or whether their effects are ecologically quite different.

Predators

The main predators of ungulates belong to the families Canidae, Felidae, Hyaenidae and Ursidae.

Adaptations of predators

Physical adaptations

	Capture (stalking/coursing)
	Killing (neck bite, strangulation , evisceration)

Ecological adaptations

Group size and organization

Counter-adaptations of prey

	Crypsis
	Flight (speed and turning radius)
	"You first"
	Confusion principle (coloration, stotting, condition indicators)
	Cooperative vigilence
	Cooperative defense

Impact on prey populations

Do predators affect prey populations?

	prevent overpopulation?
	remove old and sick?
	reduce populations by taking the vulnerable (young)
	trap prey populations in predation 'pits'

Does predation stabilize or destabilize grazing systems?

Links

	International Wolf Center Bibliographic Service
	Tiger Information Center Bibliographic Service
	International Association for Bear Research and Management
	Predator control
	Lion Research
	Hunting Dog Conservation Action Plan

Caro, T. M. (1986a). The function of stotting: A review of the hypotheses. Animal Behaviour 34: 649-662.

Caro, T. M. (1986b). The function of stotting in Thompson's gazelles: Some tests of the predictions. Animal Behaviour 34: 663-684.