Habitat features and performance interact to determine the outcomes of terrestrial predator-prey pursuits

1. Animals are responsive to predation risk, often seeking safer habitats
at the cost of foraging rewards. Although previous research has examined
how habitat features affect detection by predators, little is known about
how the interaction of habitat features, sensory cues, and physical
performance capabilities affect prey escape performance once detected. 2.
To investigate how specific habitat features affect predation risk, we
developed an individual-based model of terrestrial predator–prey pursuits
in habitats with programmable features. 3. We ran simulations varying the
relative performance capabilities of predator and prey as well as the
availability and abundance of refuges and obstacles in the habitat. 4.
Prey were more likely to avoid detection in complex habitats containing a
higher abundance of obstacles; however, if detected, prey escape
probability was dependent on both the abundance of refuges and obstacles
and the predator’s relative performance capabilities. Our model accurately
predicted the relative escape success for impala escaping from cheetah in
open savanna versus acacia thicket habitat, though escape success was
consistently underestimated. 5. Our model provides a mechanistic
explanation for the differential effects of habitat on survival for
different predator–prey pairs. Its flexible nature means that our model
can be refined to simulate specific systems and could have applications
toward management programs for species threatened by habitat loss and
predation.