Journal
OIKOS
Volume 127, Issue 7, Pages 927-934Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/oik.04866
Keywords
parasite; landscape of fear; camera trap
Categories
Funding
- National Science Foundation [1144085]
- Direct For Biological Sciences
- Division Of Environmental Biology [1601362] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
- Direct For Education and Human Resources
- Division Of Graduate Education [1144085] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Fear of predation alters prey behavior, which can indirectly alter entire landscapes. A parasite-induced ecology of fear might also exist if animals avoid parasite-contaminated resources when infection costs outweigh foraging benefits. To investigate whether animals avoid parasite contaminated sites, and if such avoidance balances disease costs and foraging gains, we monitored animal behavior at raccoon latrines - sites that concentrate both seeds and pathogenic parasite eggs. Using wildlife cameras, we documented over 40 potentially susceptible vertebrate species in latrines and adjacent habitat. Latrine contact rates reflected background activity, diet preferences and disease risk. Disease-tolerant raccoons and rats displayed significant site attraction, while susceptible birds and small mammals avoided these high-risk sites. This suggests that parasites, like predators, might create a landscape of fear for vulnerable hosts. Such non-consumptive parasite effects could alter disease transmission, population dynamics, and even ecosystem structure.
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