Abstract
Rapid urbanization coupled with increased human influence induces pressures that affect predator-prey relations through a suite of behavioral mechanisms, including alteration of avoidance and coexistence dynamics. Synergisms of natural and anthropogenic threats existing within urban environments exacerbate the necessity for species to differentially modify behavior to each risk. Here, we explore the behavioral response of a key prey species, cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), to anthropogenic and naturogenic pressures in a human-dominated landscape by examining their vigilance levels in green spaces within the city of Detroit, Michigan. We conducted the first camera survey in urban parks throughout Detroit in 2017-2020 to assess vigilance behavior corresponding to a heterogeneous landscape of risks stimulated by humans, domestic dogs, and a natural predator, coyotes (Canis latrans). We predicted a scaled response where cottontail rabbits would be most vigilant in areas with high coyote activity, moderately vigilant in areas with high domestic dog activity, and the least vigilant in areas of high human activity. From 8,165 independent cottontail rabbit detections in Detroit across 11,616 trap nights, one-third were classified as vigilant. We found no significant impact of humans or coyotes spatial hotspots, but vigilance behavior in rabbits significantly increased in hotspots of high activity from domestic dogs. We found little spatial overlap between rabbits and threats, suggesting rabbits invest more in spatial avoidance; thus, less effort is required for vigilance. Our results elucidate strategies of a prey species coping with various risks to advance our understanding of the adaptability of wildlife in urban environments. In order to foster safe and positive interactions between people and wildlife in urban greenspaces, we must understand and anticipate the ecological implications of human-induced behavioral modifications.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
↵† ORCID: Nyeema C. Harris