Are tree logs scary? The behavioural responses of deer to tree logs in a human-dominated area

Swankhuisen, Esther (2020) Are tree logs scary? The behavioural responses of deer to tree logs in a human-dominated area. Master's Research Project 1, Ecology and Evolution.

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Abstract

Large carnivores have direct and indirect effects on ungulates, with the latter modifying ungulate behaviour in a created “landscape of fear”. Ungulate behaviour changes on a large spatial scale due to the presence of large carnivores in high-risk areas. On a small spatial scale escape impediments change the perceived predation risk and also shape ungulate behaviour. In the current anthropogenic landscapes, humans are also known to modify ungulate behaviour on a large spatial scale. However, it is not completely clear what the behavioural response of ungulates is on a small spatial scale in a human-dominated area. We studied how human recreation can interact with habitat characteristics impeding escape. Therefore, we performed a camera trap study to compare deer spatial distribution and vigilance levels at locations with and without fallen tree logs, in zones with and without recreation and at varying distances to trails. We found a higher number of deer visits in the refuge zone and deer showed higher vigilance levels in the recreation zone. In the recreation zone vigilance levels increased with a decrease of distance to trails, with the opposite effect in the refuge zone. No effect of tree logs on the number of visits or on the vigilance levels was found, neither with an interaction with human recreation. This study shows that humans only induce the same risk effects as large carnivores on a large spatial scale, with possible cascading effects on the lower trophic levels.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Research Project 1)
Supervisor name:	Smit, C. and Mols, B.
Degree programme:	Ecology and Evolution
Thesis type:	Master's Research Project 1
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2020 09:44
Last Modified:	21 Apr 2020 09:44
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/21793

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