Research & Interests
MSc Project
Predation is a trophic interaction that has direct effects on populations through prey mortality, but it can also lead to indirect effects through fear. These effects can be caused by hormonal changes or due to trade-offs with anti-predator tactics. Although these indirect effects of predation on prey population dynamics have been documented experimentally, few studies, have quantified them in nature. For this study I have the opportunity to have access to 52 years of data acquired from the Ram Mountain population
My objectives, in the context of my MSc, are to evaluate if predation by a cougar (Puma concolor) can affect, through indirect effects, a wild population of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Ram Mountain, Alberta, Canada. This population has been subject to three episodes of intense predation by a cougar, the first being between 1997 and 2001; the second in 2012-2013; and finally in 2019.
My project is separated in two chapters.
The first chapter focuses on the causal mechanisms of potential indirect effects. In other words, can we measure and quantify behavioral changes (anti-predator tactics) in response to the presence of a specialist cougar. Specifically, I investigated if bighorn sheep modulate their habitat selection to avoid cougar predation, thus creating a landscape of fear, but also if they modified their gregariousness patterns. To do so I used a Resource Selection Function (RSF) approach to evaluate if they used habitats closer to escape terrains, further from canopy cover, and at higher elevation in years of intense predation. I also tested if the sheep altered their grouping patterns by aggregating in larger groups using GLMMs.
The second chapter focuses on the consequences of these anti-predator tactics, hence indirect effects on survival, reproduction and morphology. This chapter is split in two main objectives. The first was to evaluate if this predation affected lamb’s survival at three different stages (neonatal, weaning, overwinter), hence a combination of direct and indirect effects. The second objective consisted in the evaluation of potential strict indirect effects, that is the effect of cougar predation on lamb production, female summer mass gain and lamb mass at weaning. A manuscript for this second chapter has been submitted to Ecology for review.
I am currently in the writing process for first chapter's manuscript. To conclude, my study can be a prime example of the quantitative measuring of indirect effects of predation, the mechanisms behind them, and how importantly it can affect a wild prey population dynamics.
My objectives, in the context of my MSc, are to evaluate if predation by a cougar (Puma concolor) can affect, through indirect effects, a wild population of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Ram Mountain, Alberta, Canada. This population has been subject to three episodes of intense predation by a cougar, the first being between 1997 and 2001; the second in 2012-2013; and finally in 2019.
My project is separated in two chapters.
The first chapter focuses on the causal mechanisms of potential indirect effects. In other words, can we measure and quantify behavioral changes (anti-predator tactics) in response to the presence of a specialist cougar. Specifically, I investigated if bighorn sheep modulate their habitat selection to avoid cougar predation, thus creating a landscape of fear, but also if they modified their gregariousness patterns. To do so I used a Resource Selection Function (RSF) approach to evaluate if they used habitats closer to escape terrains, further from canopy cover, and at higher elevation in years of intense predation. I also tested if the sheep altered their grouping patterns by aggregating in larger groups using GLMMs.
The second chapter focuses on the consequences of these anti-predator tactics, hence indirect effects on survival, reproduction and morphology. This chapter is split in two main objectives. The first was to evaluate if this predation affected lamb’s survival at three different stages (neonatal, weaning, overwinter), hence a combination of direct and indirect effects. The second objective consisted in the evaluation of potential strict indirect effects, that is the effect of cougar predation on lamb production, female summer mass gain and lamb mass at weaning. A manuscript for this second chapter has been submitted to Ecology for review.
I am currently in the writing process for first chapter's manuscript. To conclude, my study can be a prime example of the quantitative measuring of indirect effects of predation, the mechanisms behind them, and how importantly it can affect a wild prey population dynamics.
Research Interests
I am most interested in studying population dynamics and evolutionary ecology, including behaviour, life history traits, space use, cognition, sexual selection, social structures and much more. As a member of the Pelletier Lab, I've had the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of studies that are fascinating and I hope I can continue to broaden my perspective and expand my knowledge in new fields of research as I pursue my academic career.