Prey Selection by Feral Dogs from a Population of Marine Iguanas (Amblyrhynchus Cristatus)

Abstract

(1) Factors are examined which influence prey selection by feral dogs from a population of marine iguanas on Isabela, Galapagos, Ecuador. (2) For various size classes of iguanas the relative risk of predation by dogs is significantly greater for large animals. (3) Variation in risk was related to differential fleeing distances, and to the greater exposure of territorial male iguanas which did not seek shelter at night. (4) Anti-predator behaviour of iguanas did not protect them against feral dogs, and dog predation was probably considerably greater than the marine iguana population could sustain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]