Browsing by Author "Palmer, Meredith S"

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    Data supporting Reactive anti-predator behavioral strategy shaped by predator characteristics
    (2021-08-06) Palmer, Meredith S; Packer, Craig; palme516@umn.edu; Palmer, Meredith S; University of Minnesota Lion Research Center
    Large mammalian herbivores use a diverse array of strategies to survive predator encounters including flight, grouping, vigilance, warning signals, and fitness indicators. While anti-predator strategies appear to be driven by specific predator traits, no prior studies have rigorously evaluated whether predator hunting characteristics predict reactive anti-predator responses. We experimentally investigated behavioral decisions made by free-ranging impala, wildebeest, and zebra during encounters with model predators with different functional traits. Here, we provide data from 365 trials between the focal herbivore species and models of African lion (Panthera leo), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and two non-threatening controls (impala Aepyceros melampus and Thomson's gazelle Eudorcas thomsonii).
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    Snapshot Safari Educational Materials
    (2020-11-16) Palmer, Meredith S; Dewey, Jessica; Huebner, Sarah; palme516@umn.edu; Palmer, Meredith S; University of Minnesota Lion Research Center
    Snapshot Safari (www.snapshotsafari.org) is a cross-continental network of biodiversity monitoring programs run by the University of Minnesota Lion Center (www.lioncenter.umn.edu/snapshot-safari). To address the urgent need for accurately assessing vulnerable wildlife populations, we deployed over two dozen camera trap surveys distributed in protected areas across Africa. We rely on the help of online volunteers ("citizen scientists") to help classify animals captured in our millions of camera trap images. The citizen science platform provides a novel opportunity for public engagement and science education, and we have created educational multimedia based on the Snapshot Safari citizen science experience to promote these learning opportunities. Here, we present activities and videos aimed at a middle school-level audience that use our camera trap images to teach ecological and conservation principles.