Aboveground predation by an American badger (Taxidea taxus) on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)
نویسندگان
چکیده
—During research on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), we repeatedly observed a female American badger (Taxidea taxus) hunting prairie dogs on a colony in southern Phillips County, Montana. During 1–14 June 2006, we observed 7 aboveground attacks (2 successful) and 3 successful excavations of prairie dogs. The locations and circumstances of aboveground attacks suggested that the badger improved her probability of capturing prairie dogs by planning the aboveground attacks based on perceptions of speeds, angles, distances, and predicted escape responses of prey. Our observations add to previous reports on the complex and varied predatory methods and cognitive capacities of badgers. These observations also underscore the individuality of predators and support the concept that predators are active participants in predator-prey interactions.
منابع مشابه
An Evaluation of Shooting and Habitat Alteration for Control of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs
Shooting at two incipient black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies remover from 12.8 to 17.3 prairie dogs/ha vith reduction of adults averaging 69%. Habitat was physically altered in a portion of one prairie dog colony and activity levels between treated and non-treated areas dia not show any consistent differences.
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