A trio of ecologists and marine biologists at the University of California has discovered that coyotes are more consistent consumers of marine fauna in intertidal habitats along California’s shores than previously believed. In their study, which was reported in the journal Food Webs, Zoe Zilz, Stephanie Copeland, and Hillary Young installed motion-sensing cameras along protected shorelines in southern California.
Prior research has demonstrated the immense value of motion-sensing cameras in studying the wildlife inhabiting specific habitats. Motion-activated cameras can be placed in remote locations to capture images of wildlife, including coyotes.
For this new study, the research team was approached by residents living in a community along California’s Gaviota Coast, who asked them to examine pictures they had taken of the diverse wildlife visiting the nearby protected shoreline. Inspired by these images, the team set up 40 motion-sensing cameras along the coastline and the shorelines of the Dangermond Preserve and Vandenberg Space Force Base, both of which have natural, protected shorelines.
The researchers were astonished to observe the significant number of coyotes visiting the shorelines at all three locations. They were also surprised by the amount of seafood the coyotes caught and consumed. The researchers describe the number of visitors as far exceeding their expectations, indicating that coyotes are major consumers in intertidal habitats. Consequently, they have a significant impact on other species that frequent the same shoreline. Additionally, the coyotes’ feces fertilize the land, promoting the growth of abundant plants that serve as habitats or food sources for other animals.
The researchers also identified numerous other visitors to the area, including feral pigs, deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and even black bears. Smaller animals such as opossums, skunks, and raccoons were also observed. The team emphasizes the necessity for further research in similar areas to gain a better understanding of the creatures that can have a disproportionately large impact on a given ecosystem.
2023-08-27 03:00:04
Original from phys.org rnrn