Multi-Species Interactions in a Scandinavian Large-Mammal Community

Over the past century, Europe's large carnivores have returned to regions which have undergone, and continue to undergo, significant change as a result of anthropogenic perturbations. This study seeks to examine how multi-species interactions manifest within a Scandinavian large mammal community. The first chapter will examine which factors are important in explaining wolf pack establishment and persistence in Scandinavia, with a particular interest in the exploring the role of inter-specific and anthropogenic factors. The second and third chapter will then examine interspecific interactions within a wolf-bear-ungulate community, to understand how such relationships manifest at finer-scales. In particular, the second chapter will examine the combined effect of wolf/bear predation on neonate ungulates during the parturition period, whilst the third chapter will explore how predator-prey relationships vary with prey type (semi-domestic reindeer/wild moose) and habitat complexity (open/closed), as a potential function of human-induced risk. This study will be conducted in collaboration with the Scandinavian Brown Bear Project.