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That the authors don't use the word "anticipate" has no bearing. Does the regulation kick in before starvation density is reached or after?
You read the studies, they say that most of the time the mechanism that causes the birth regulation to "kick in" is the increased population density. Apparently, the higher density of animals increases aggression (road rage during rush hour?) which cause fertility and the desire to mate to decrease. It is a mechanism that mimics anticipation of a starvation event by responding to increase in population density. It is interesting that in the study of mice, lemmings, and rats that it wasn't just the increase in the target species population density that triggered the response but also increases in other species (that interacted competitively with the target species) population density. Those other species would be in contact with the target species during competition for food, providing the same impact as an increase in the target species population density. Like a big crowd at the salad bar. It increased aggression.

So it is not actually anticipation of the starvation event that lead to reproduction reduction but the reaction to an event (increase in population density) that would have lead to the starvation event. The increase in aggressive behavior caused the population density to lower and avoid the starve off. So, in the case of these animals, their aggression in a crowded condition turns out to be a positive adaptation for their species.
If you want to quibble over this, go right ahead. Explain how we can differentiate between actual anticipation, and "mimicry" thereof. Explain how it makes a difference & salvages the Darwin/Malthus paradigm.

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Some of these studies take place under controlled conditions where one food & water are assumed to be supplied. Do you suggest they're rigging the results by starving animals?
If that is what you got from my answer, you will have to show me where I misspoke because I did not say anything about "rigging the results".
Earlier you said.
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The abstracts that you provided don't say that. In fact, there are indicators that the change in reproduction patterns are linked with resource stress. Less food per individual and other stresses seem to cause hormonal changes that decrease the fertility cycles.
It may be true that less food will trigger self-regulation, but I intend to make it clear that it isn't the only trigger found in nature. The lemming research has failed to find any resource shortage.

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