How Spawning Salmon Affect Wolves and Deer in British Columbia
Author Information
Author(s): Chris T Darimont, Paul C Paquet, Thomas E Reimchen
Primary Institution: University of Victoria
Hypothesis
Do wolves switch to consuming salmon when deer are less available?
Conclusion
Wolves in coastal British Columbia shift their diet from deer to salmon in the fall when salmon are available.
Supporting Evidence
- Wolves showed a dietary shift with 40% of faeces containing salmon in the fall.
- Isotopic analysis confirmed that wolves' diets shifted to include more salmon when it was available.
- Deer remains were found in 90-95% of faeces during spring and summer.
Takeaway
Wolves usually eat deer, but when salmon are around, they like to eat salmon instead.
Methodology
The study used faecal analysis and isotopic analysis of wolf hair to assess dietary shifts over three seasons across four years.
Potential Biases
Potential observer bias in identifying prey remains in faeces.
Limitations
The study area was remote and minimally modified, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Eight groups of wolves were studied over four years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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