Body size in ecological communities
Animals differing in body size may have different constraints.
Small-bodied species are more vulnerable to predators, but require less food and can dissipate heat more easily than large-bodied species.
​
In African Savannahs, these pressures may cause species varying in body size to make different decisions when faced with trade-offs between food, heat, and risk.
​
How do ecological communities respond when fear returns to the landscape?
Predators are being reintroduced to the landscape in Gorongosa National Park after decades of absence following civil war.
This unprecedented natural 'experiment' is an opportunity to study how changes in constraints on the landscape influence animal behaviour.
Using GPS collars to study the movement patterns of four antelope species—ranging from the tiny (50 kg) bushbuck to huge (400 kg) eland—we can gain insight on how differences in body size drive animal behaviour. Do smaller species show stronger responses to the return of predators on the landscape?
COEXISTENCE
Do size-dependent behaviours allow species to use different resources and avoid competition?
ANTI-PREDATOR BEHAVIOUR
How does the return of predators to the landscape alter the behaviour of prey species?
ADAPTATION
How do prey species evaluate predation risk? Do prey avoid risky times, risky places, or both?
VULNERABILITY
Can we use body size to predict how species (and communities of species) will respond to environmental change?