The temporal scale of energy maximization explains allometric variations in movement decisions of large herbivores

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.70101
• Publication Date: 2024-12-10T05:54:57Z
• Authors: Daniel Fortin; Christopher F. Br...; Hervé Fritz; Jan A. Venter
• Keywords: Optimal foraging theory

Abstract Empirical testing of energy maximization models has been used to clarify the drivers resource partitioning among large herbivores. Most studies, however, have not considered that predictions optimal diet depend on temporal scale maximization. This omission can hinder effectiveness optimality principles in elucidating animal distributions, dietary choices, and dynamics species coexistence. We movement analysis scale‐dependent gain modeling study how three herbivores share resources: red hartebeest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus ), a 120‐kg grazing ruminant; zebra Equus quagga 300‐kg nonruminant; eland Tragelaphus oryx 460‐kg ruminant, mixed feeder. found was achieved through synergy spatial segregation interspecies differences habitat selection Radio‐collared individuals spent 95% their time >850 m from one another. Hierarchical revealed selected grasslands within which they patches maximizing daily gains. Selection particularly strong for hartebeest, as expected ruminant relatively small size. Unlike other species, avoided grasslands; when ventured into grasslands, offering high short‐term gains at expense rapid could reflect missed opportunity costs foraging due broad range feeding opportunities this finding is also consistent with notion larger tend face stronger constraints resources availability than digestibility. Overall, strength currencies these are allometric theory. Our illuminates promote coexistence herbivore while showing that, provide useful robust basis explain partitioning, energetic should be based relevant