Scavenging Ecology is an important pathway of energy transferability in terrestrial ecosystems. Mustelids are subject to influence by environmental features and competition at winter scavenging opportunities in the Rocky Mountains. Species interact with their surroundings at carrion sites using various adaptive mechanisms for optimizing foraging uptake, including site-level spatial segregation as well as fine-scale spatial reactionary responses and fine-scale temporal reactionary responses.

 

A new manuscript entitled Influence of heterospecifics on mesocarnivore behaviour at shared scavenging opportunities in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, examines scavenging interactions among short-tailed weasels, American martens, wolverines and lynx in the northern Canadian Rocky Mountains. This study uses remote camera traps and application of an integrated spatial-temporal research framework. Key findings indicate that carrion site use is governed by a combination of competition threats and environmental factors.

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*Illustration (Bell et al. 2023, Fig. 4) by Jeff Dixon licensed to Jason Fisher (coauthor).

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