Using functional responses to quantify interaction effects among predators

1. Predator diversity alterations have been observed in most ecosystems as a result of the loss and/ or addition of species. This has implications for predator-prey dynamics as non-trophic interactions among predators, so called multiple predator effects (MPE), are known to influence predation success. In addition, there is often a density-dependant relationship between prey availability and prey consumption (functional response). While MPE investigations are common in the literature, functional responses have rarely been incorporated into this field of predation ecology. 2. Here, we outline an experimental procedure that incorporates functional responses into multiple predator effect studies. Using three fish species with different functional traits as model predators (bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, southern mouthbrooder Pseudocrenilabrus philander and banded tilapia Tilapia sparrmanii), we assess intra- and inter-specific predator interaction outcomes on predator-prey dynamics. This wa...