Group formation stabilizes predator–prey dynamics

John M. Fryxell (), Anna Mosser, Anthony R. E. Sinclair and Craig Packer
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John M. Fryxell: University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
Anna Mosser: Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA
Anthony R. E. Sinclair: University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z4
Craig Packer: Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA

Nature, 2007, vol. 449, issue 7165, 1041-1043

Abstract: Super groups Many if not most predator and prey populations are puzzlingly stable, despite the fact that instability is expected based on the kinds of ecological interactions that typically occur. Fryxell et al. develop the hypothesis that one factor contributing to stability is reduced predator search efficiency caused by group formation by both predators and prey. Field data on lions and their large herbivore prey from Serengeti National Park suggest that group formation by both protagonists has an enormous impact on population dynamics, lending stability to what would otherwise be a highly unstable situation.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1038/nature06177

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