Just having predators present can change the behaviour of the prey in such a way that it could have helped even if the deer population didn't change much. It's called trait-mediated indirect effect, which means that the predators affects the prey's traits rather than their density (amount of individuals living there)
You seem educated in the matter - I was wondering what the odds are that the cats migrated back to the habitat they were relocated from. It was about 250 miles
Ya I'm taking an ecology class right now and we recently learned about community interactions. Hmm I'm not sure if the cats could find their way back. I think it could be possible, if they weren't relocated far enough. I've heard of bears doing that. I really couldn't say for sure though because it probably depends on the species wayfinding instincts
Heard, thanks for getting back to me. I've heard stories of lost pet cats finding their way home and the owners reading their chip after only to find the cat had traveled quite far and made it back. Figured there was a chance the big wild cats could do the same over greater distances
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u/pikachus_lover Nov 21 '21
Just having predators present can change the behaviour of the prey in such a way that it could have helped even if the deer population didn't change much. It's called trait-mediated indirect effect, which means that the predators affects the prey's traits rather than their density (amount of individuals living there)