Diagram of the modeled predator-prey dynamics.

Abstract

<p>Schematic diagram showing the modeled predator-prey interactions of Banff elk (E), Bow Valley elk (N) and Bow Valley wolves (P) for Models 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Arrows with solid lines represent interactions present in all years in all models. The Banff elk grow logistically with growth rate, g, and carrying capacity, K. The Bow Valley elk grow exponentially with rate, r, and encounter or interact with wolves at rate, d or d₂. Bow Valley wolves convert some proportion of elk encountered into new wolves with conversion efficiency, c, and have mortality rate, x. The dashed arrow (— —) represents the Banff elk relocation parameter (s) that occurred during the years 1998–2001 in all models. The dashed and double dotted arrow (– ·· –) represents the density-dependent dispersal parameter (m) for Models 2 and 4, the dashed and single dotted arrow (– · –) represents the anti-predator movement parameter (f) for Models 3 and 4, and the dotted arrow (▪▪) represents the short-term, source-sink wolf predation parameter (d₁) for Model 5.</p