Skip to main content

Table 2 Hunting tactic definitions

From: Novel foraging strategies observed in a growing leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) population at Livingston Island, Antarctic Peninsula

Hunting tactic

Definition

Ambush

Moving into an advantageous position and using surprise to capture prey with a rush or quick grasp

Stalk

Actively tracking, and moving slowly to close the distance to prey while avoiding detection, typically ending in a rush to capture

Chase

Any accelerated swim or maneuver to pursue prey; chases tend to be longer than the ‘burst rushes’ of ambush or stalk techniques

Flush

Using a body part, vocalization, or other means to move prey away from shelter

Incidental

An interaction with a potential prey that was not precipitated by any notable pursuit effort

  1. Definitions based on a literature review of carnivore hunting tactics.