Beyond spatial overlap: harnessing new technologies to resolve the complexities of predator–prey interactions

Predation risk, the probability that a prey animal will be killed by predator, is fundamental to theoretical and applied ecology. risk varies with behavior environmental conditions, yet attempts understand predation in natural systems often ignore important ecological complexities, relying instead on proxies for actual such as predator–prey spatial overlap. Here we detail complexities driving disconnects between three stages of sequence are assumed tightly linked: overlap, encounters capture. Our review highlights several major sources variability lead decoupling overlap estimates from encounter rates (e.g. temporal activity patterns, predator movement capacity, resource limitations) affect capture given hunger levels, temporal, topographic other influences success). Emerging technologies statistical methods facilitating transition more spatiotemporally detailed, mechanistic understanding interactions, allowing concurrent examination multiple mobile, free-ranging animals. We describe crucial applications this new ecology, highlighting opportunities better integrate contingencies into dynamic models harness interactions improve targeting effectiveness conservation interventions.