Data from: Corridors or risk? movement along, and use of, linear features vary predictably among large mammal predator and prey species

1. Space-use behaviour reflects trade-offs in meeting ecological needs and
can have consequences for individual survival and population demographics.
The mechanisms underlying space-use can be understood by simultaneously
evaluating habitat selection and movement patterns, and fine-resolution
locational data are increasing our ability to do so. 2. We use
high-resolution location data and an integrated step-selection analysis to
evaluate caribou, moose, bear, and wolf habitat selection and movement
behavior in response to anthropogenic habitat modification, though caribou
data were limited. Space-use response to anthropogenic linear features
(LFs) by predators and prey are hypothesized to increase predator hunting
efficiency and are thus believed to be a leading factor in woodland
caribou declines in western Canada. 3. We found that all species moved
faster while on LFs. Wolves and bears were also attracted towards LFs,
whereas prey species avoided them. Predators and prey responded less
strongly and consistently to natural features such as streams, rivers and
lakeshores. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that LFs
facilitate predator movement and increase hunting efficiency, while prey
perceive such features as risky. 4. Understanding the behavioural
mechanisms underlying space-use patterns is important in understanding how
future land-use may impact predator-prey interactions. Explicitly linking
behaviour to fitness and demography will be important to fully understand
the implications of management strategies.