To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Anti-predator behaviours.
Journal articles on the topic 'Anti-predator behaviours'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Anti-predator behaviours.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Näslund, Joacim, Leo Pettersson, and Jörgen I. Johnsson. "Behavioural reactions of three-spined sticklebacks to simulated risk of predation—Effects of predator distance and movement." FACETS 1, no. 1 (March 1, 2017): 55–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/facets-2015-0015.
Full textAbstract:
The behavioural response of animals to predation risk commonly depends on the behaviour of potential predators. Here, we report an experiment investigating effects of predator model (a life-like wooden trout model) distance and movement on the behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus L. in a standardized experimental setting. When the predator model was immobile, the behaviour of the sticklebacks could, in general, not be clearly distinguished from a no-predator control treatment. When moving the predator 41 cm towards the stickleback, clear anti-predator behaviours were observed. However, behavioural expression depended on the distance to the predator. At the two farthest distances (approaching from 129 to 88 cm and from 170 to 129 cm), the sticklebacks approached the predator and spent little time freezing. At the two closest distances (approaching from 88 to 47 cm and from 47 to 6 cm), the sticklebacks increased the distance to the predator model and froze their movements. These results suggest that the closest-distance groups showed avoidance behaviour, whereas the farthest-distance groups instead appeared to start inspecting the potential predator. This provides evidence for conditional anti-predator behaviour and highlights the importance of considering distance to, and movement of predator models when interpreting data from standardized behavioural trials.
2
Seiler, Melanie, Christoph Schwitzer, and Marc Holderied. "Anti-predator behaviour of Sahamalaza sportive lemurs, Lepilemur sahamalazensis, at diurnal sleeping sites." Contributions to Zoology 82, no. 3 (October 1, 2013): 131—S1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/18759866-08203003.
Full textAbstract:
In response to predation pressure by raptors, snakes, and carnivores, primates employ anti-predator behaviours such as avoiding areas of high predation risk, cryptic behaviour and camouflage, vigilance and group formation (including mixedspecies associations), and eavesdropping on other species’ alarm calls. After detecting a predator, primates can produce alarm calls, show predator-specific escape strategies or even mob the predator. It remains unclear how solitary nocturnal primates respond to diurnal predation pressure while they sleep or rest. The aim of this study was to investigate the diurnal anti-predator behaviour of the nocturnal and solitary Sahamalaza sportive lemur, Lepilemur sahamalazensis, which regularly rests in exposed locations. We observed the responses of 32 Sahamalaza sportive lemurs to playbacks of territorial calls of an aerial predator (Madagascar harrier hawk), mating calls of a terrestrial predator (fossa), and the contact calls of a medium-sized bird (crested coua) as a control, at different diurnal sleeping sites. Lemurs never showed a flight response after replays of predator or control calls, but regularly froze after harrier hawk calls. Lemurs scanned the sky immediately after playback of harrier hawk calls, and the ground or trees after fossa calls. Lemur vigilance increased significantly after both predator calls. After crested coua calls the animals became significantly less vigilant, suggesting that contact calls of this bird serve as indicators of predator absence. We found no response differences between different types of sleeping sites. Our results show that resting Sahamalaza sportive lemurs recognise predator vocalisations as indicators of increased predation risk, discern vocalizations of different predators, and employ anti-predator behaviours specific for different predator classes. Their behavioural responses while resting or sleeping are comparable to those of active primates, and their response rate of 80% shows that this solitary and nocturnal primate is constantly aware of its environment.
3
Webb, Jonathan K., Weiguo Du, David Pike, and Richard Shine. "Generalization of predator recognition: Velvet geckos display anti-predator behaviours in response to chemicals from non-dangerous elapid snakes." Current Zoology 56, no. 3 (June 1, 2010): 337–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/czoolo/56.3.337.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Many prey species detect chemical cues from predators and modify their behaviours in ways that reduce their risk of predation. Theory predicts that prey should modify their anti-predator responses according to the degree of threat posed by the predator. That is, prey should show the strongest responses to chemicals of highly dangerous prey, but should ignore or respond weakly to chemicals from non-dangerous predators. However, if anti-predator behaviours are not costly, and predators are rarely encountered, prey may exhibit generalised antipredator behaviours to dangerous and non-dangerous predators. In Australia, most elapid snakes eat lizards, and are therefore potentially dangerous to lizard prey. Recently, we found that the nocturnal velvet gecko Oedura lesueurii responds to chemicals from dangerous and non-dangerous elapid snakes, suggesting that it displays generalised anti-predator behaviours to chemicals from elapid snakes. To explore the generality of this result, we videotaped the behaviour of velvet geckos in the presence of chemical cues from two small elapid snakes that rarely consume geckos: the nocturnal golden-crowned snake Cacophis squamulosus and the diurnal marsh snake Hemiaspis signata. We also videotaped geckos in trials involving unscented cards (controls) and cologne-scented cards (pungency controls). In trials involving Cacophis and Hemiaspis chemicals, 50% and 63% of geckos spent long time periods (> 3 min) freezing whilst pressed flat against the substrate, respectively. Over half the geckos tested exhibited anti-predator behaviours (tail waving, tail vibration, running) in response to Cacophis (67%) or Hemiaspis (63%) chemicals. These behaviours were not observed in control or pungency control trials. Our results support the idea that the velvet gecko displays generalised anti-predator responses to chemical cues from elapid snakes. Generalised responses to predator chemicals may be common in prey species that co-occur with multiple, ecologically similar, dangerous predators.
4
Richardson, Graham, Patrick Dickinson, Oliver H. P. Burman, and Thomas W. Pike. "Unpredictable movement as an anti-predator strategy." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 285, no. 1885 (August 22, 2018): 20181112. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.1112.
Full textAbstract:
Prey animals have evolved a wide variety of behaviours to combat the threat of predation, and these have been generally well studied. However, one of the most common and taxonomically widespread antipredator behaviours of all has, remarkably, received almost no experimental attention: so-called ‘protean’ behaviour. This is behaviour that is sufficiently unpredictable to prevent a predator anticipating in detail the future position or actions of its prey. In this study, we used human ‘predators’ participating in 3D virtual reality simulations to test how protean (i.e. unpredictable) variation in prey movement affects participants' ability to visually target them as they move (a key determinant of successful predation). We found that targeting accuracy was significantly predicted by prey movement path complexity, although, surprisingly, there was little evidence that high levels of unpredictability in the underlying movement rules equated directly to decreased predator performance. Instead, the specific movement rules differed in how they impacted on targeting accuracy, with the efficacy of protean variation in one element depending on the values of the remaining elements. These findings provide important insights into the understudied phenomenon of protean antipredator behaviour, which are directly applicable to predator–prey dynamics within a broad range of taxa.
5
Dolotovskaya, Sofya, Camilo Flores Amasifuen, Caroline Elisabeth Haas, Fabian Nummert, and Eckhard W. Heymann. "Active anti-predator behaviour of red titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus)." Primate Biology 6, no. 1 (June 5, 2019): 59–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/pb-6-59-2019.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract. Due to their inconspicuous behaviour and colouration, it has been assumed that titi monkeys' main anti-predator behaviour is passive crypsis and hiding. So far, active predator mobbing has been documented only for black-fronted titi monkeys, Callicebus nigrifrons. Here we report for the first time mobbing behaviour of red titi monkeys, Plecturocebus cupreus (previously Callicebus cupreus), as reaction to an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and a Boa constrictor. We also report other active anti-predator behaviours, such as alarm calling and approaching, as reactions to tayras (Eira barbara) and raptors. Our observations provide additional evidence for sex differences in anti-predator behaviour, possibly related to the evolution and maintenance of social monogamy.
6
Fonner, Christopher W., and Sarah K. Woodley. "Testing the predation stress hypothesis: behavioural and hormonal responses to predator cues in Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders." Behaviour 152, no. 6 (2015): 797–819. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003254.
Full textAbstract:
The predation stress hypothesis posits that exposure to predators and/or predator cues causes release of glucocorticoid hormones which coordinate behavioural responses that facilitate predator avoidance. We measured responses to short-term and repeated exposure to predator-derived kairomones in Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders (Desmognathus ochrophaeus). Salamanders expressed predator avoidance behaviours (reduced locomotion, reduced mating behaviour) in the presence of predator kairomones. However, plasma glucocorticoids after short-term exposure to predator kairomones were similar to levels after exposure to controls. After repeated exposure to predator-derived kairomones, locomotory activity and plasma glucocorticoids were similar compared to controls. There was no evidence of habituation to predator kairomones. Overall, results did not support the predation stress hypothesis in Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders in either an acute or chronic context. Use of glucocorticoids to mediate antipredator responses may occur when predation pressure is unpredictable, and when energetic and opportunity costs of linking glucocorticoids to anti-predator responses are low.
7
Dinh Van, Khuong, Lizanne Janssens, Sara Debecker, and Robby Stoks. "Warming increases chlorpyrifos effects on predator but not anti-predator behaviours." Aquatic Toxicology 152 (July 2014): 215–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.04.011.
Full text
8
Jellison, Brittany M., Aaron T. Ninokawa, Tessa M. Hill, Eric Sanford, and Brian Gaylord. "Ocean acidification alters the response of intertidal snails to a key sea star predator." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 283, no. 1833 (June 29, 2016): 20160890. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.0890.
Full textAbstract:
Organism-level effects of ocean acidification (OA) are well recognized. Less understood are OA's consequences for ecological species interactions. Here, we examine a behaviourally mediated predator–prey interaction within the rocky intertidal zone of the temperate eastern Pacific Ocean, using it as a model system to explore OA's capacity to impair invertebrate anti-predator behaviours more broadly. Our system involves the iconic sea star predator, Pisaster ochraceus , that elicits flee responses in numerous gastropod prey. We examine, in particular, the capacity for OA-associated reductions in pH to alter flight behaviours of the black turban snail, Tegula funebralis , an often-abundant and well-studied grazer in the system. We assess interactions between these species at 16 discrete levels of pH, quantifying the full functional response of Tegula under present and near-future OA conditions. Results demonstrate the disruption of snail anti-predator behaviours at low pH, with decreases in the time individuals spend in refuge locations. We also show that fluctuations in pH, including those typical of rock pools inhabited by snails, do not materially change outcomes, implying little capacity for episodically benign pH conditions to aid behavioural recovery. Together, these findings suggest a strong potential for OA to induce cascading community-level shifts within this long-studied ecosystem.
9
Svensson, P. Andreas, Ramin Eghbal, Ramona Eriksson, and Emelie Nilsson. "How cunning is the puppet-master? Cestode-infected fish appear generally fearless." Parasitology Research 121, no. 5 (March 21, 2022): 1305–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-022-07470-2.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractTrophically transmitted parasites have life cycles that require the infected host to be eaten by the correct type of predator. Such parasites should benefit from an ability to suppress the host’s fear of predators, but if the manipulation is imprecise the consequence may be increased predation by non-hosts, to the detriment of the parasite. Three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) infected by the cestode Schistocephalus solidus express reduced antipredator behaviours, but it is unknown whether this is an example of a highly precise manipulation, a more general manipulation, or if it can even be attributed to mere side effects of disease. In a series of experiments, we investigated several behaviours of infected and uninfected sticklebacks. As expected, they had weak responses to simulated predatory attacks compared to uninfected fish. However, our results suggest that the parasite induced a general fearlessness, rather than a precise manipulation aimed at the correct predators (birds). Infected fish had reduced responses also when attacked from the side and when exposed to odour from a fish predator, which is a “dead-end” for this parasite. We also tested whether the reduced anti-predator behaviours were mere symptoms of a decreased overall vigour, or due to parasite-induced hunger, but we found no support for these ideas. We propose that even imprecise manipulations of anti-predator behaviours may benefit parasites, for example, if other behaviours are altered in a way that increases the exposure to the correct predator.
10
Phillips, M. A., and J. M. Waterman. "Anti-snake behaviour in a facultative cooperative breeder, the Cape ground squirrel." Behaviour 151, no. 12-13 (2014): 1735–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003215.
Full textAbstract:
Predator harassment is an anti-predator behaviour that may increase an individual’s risk of predation, as individuals approach, threaten and harass a potential predator, yet this behaviour is still not well understood. The Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) is a highly social facultative cooperative breeder from southern Africa that harasses several species of venomous snakes. We examined whether harassment was part of alloparental care by comparing harassment behaviours among different age and sex classes in Cape ground squirrel social groups. We also assessed how individuals adjusted their behaviour dependent on levels of risk by examining the Cape ground squirrel’s harassment behaviour among non-venomous, and two species of venomous snakes. We found adult females with emerged juvenile offspring took the most risk, harassing for longer durations and at higher intensities than other group members, suggesting that snake harassment was a maternal behaviour. Females with juvenile offspring only harassed the highest risk elapid snake but increased vigilance and inspection with increasing snake risk suggesting that the Cape ground squirrel can discriminate between different types of snake predators.
11
Durand, Jonas, Arnaud Legrand, Mélodie Tort, Alice Thiney, Radika J. Michniewicz, Aurélie Coulon, and Fabien Aubret. "Effects of geographic isolation on anti-snakes responses in the wall lizard, Podarcis muralis." Amphibia-Reptilia 33, no. 2 (2012): 199–206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853812x636448.
Full textAbstract:
Alteration in anti-predatory behaviour following geographic isolation has been observed in a number of taxa. Such alteration was attributed to the effect of relaxed selection in the novel environment, reinforced by the cost of anti-predatory behaviours. We studied aspects of anti-snake behaviour in 987 adult and juvenile wall lizards Podarcis muralis from two mainland areas (heavy snake predatory pressure) and two islands (low snake predatory pressure), isolated from the mainland 5000 and 7000 years ago. We conducted a scented retreat site choice experiment using the odours of five different snake species (saurophagous, piscivorous or generalist feeder). Mainland lizards avoided shelters scented by saurophagous snakes, but not those scented by non saurophagous snake species. Long isolated lizards (7000 years ago) showed no anti-predator response to any snake, suggesting a total loss of anti-predatory behaviour towards saurophagous snakes. More recently isolated lizards (5000 years ago) however showed anti-snake behaviour towards a former sympatric adder species, and a tendency to avoid the scent of a sympatric generalist feeder snake. There was no difference in the anti-snake responses between adult and juvenile wall lizards from all four sites, suggesting a limited role for experience (behavioural plasticity) in the expression of anti-snake behaviour in wall lizards.
12
Sharpe, Lynda L., Abigail S. Joustra, and Michael I. Cherry. "The presence of an avian co-forager reduces vigilance in a cooperative mammal." Biology Letters 6, no. 4 (February 3, 2010): 475–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2009.1016.
Full textAbstract:
Many animals must trade-off anti-predator vigilance with other behaviours. Some species facilitate predator detection by joining mixed-species foraging parties and ‘eavesdropping’ on the predator warnings given by other taxa. Such use of heterospecific warnings presumably reduces the likelihood of predation, but it is unclear whether it also provides wider benefits, by allowing individuals to reduce their own vigilance. We examine whether the presence of an avian co-forager, the fork-tailed drongo ( Dicrurus adsimilis ), affects rates of vigilance (including sentinel behaviour) in wild dwarf mongooses ( Helogale parvula ). We simulate the presence of drongos—using playbacks of their non-alarm vocalizations—to show that dwarf mongooses significantly reduce their rate of vigilance when foraging with this species. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to demonstrate experimentally that a mammal reduces vigilance in the presence of an avian co-forager.
13
Twining, Joshua P., W. Ian Montgomery, Lily Price, Hansjoerg P. Kunc, and David G. Tosh. "Native and invasive squirrels show different behavioural responses to scent of a shared native predator." Royal Society Open Science 7, no. 2 (February 2020): 191841. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191841.
Full textAbstract:
Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species. In Europe, invasive grey squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) have replaced native red squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris ) in locations across Britain, Ireland and Italy. The European pine marten ( Martes martes ) can reverse the replacement of red squirrels by grey squirrels, but the underlying mechanism of how pine martens suppress grey squirrels is little understood. Research suggests the reversal process is driven by direct predation, but why the native red squirrel may be less susceptible than the invasive grey squirrel to predation by a commonly shared native predator, is unknown. A behavioural difference may exist with the native sciurid being more effective at avoiding predation by the pine marten with which they have a shared evolutionary history. In mammals, olfactory cues are used by prey species to avoid predators. To test whether anti-predator responses differ between the native red squirrel and the invasive grey squirrel, we exposed both species to scent cues of a shared native predator and quantified the responses of the two squirrel species. Red squirrels responded to pine marten scent by avoiding the feeder, increasing their vigilance and decreasing their feeding activity. By contrast, grey squirrels did not show any anti-predator behaviours in response to the scent of pine marten. Thus, differences in behavioural responses to a shared native predator may assist in explaining differing outcomes of species interactions between native and invasive prey species depending on the presence, abundance and exposure to native predators.
14
Cerezer, Cristina, Cristiane Biasi, Gláucia Bolzan Cogo, and Sandro Santos. "Avoid predation or take risks in basic activities? Predator–prey relationship in subtropical streams between decapods and caddisflies." Marine and Freshwater Research 67, no. 12 (2016): 1880. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15278.
Full textAbstract:
The objective of the present study was to analyse the movement, feeding and case-building behaviours of Phylloicus in the presence and absence of a likely decapod predator, Aegla longirostri. We used aquaria divided by a perforated acrylic plate, with one side containing a Phylloicus and the other containing A. longirostri. Movement was quantified through the time spent in active movement, feeding was quantified through the amount of consumed leaves and the case-building was assessed by comparing the number of leaf discs selected of each plant species. The Phylloicus movement activity was affected by A. longirostri, being higher in the predator absence than in its presence. The caddisfly feeding behaviour was not affected by the presence of the crab. Phylloicus was selective in the choice of plant species for case-building; in the presence of the predator, harder discs were more often employed, whereas softer and less resistant discs were chosen in the absence of the predator. The anti-predator responses of caddisfly demonstrated that they are able to detect the presence of crabs and modify their activities, thereby increasing their chances of survival.
15
Hollings, Tracey, Hamish McCallum, Kaely Kreger, Nick Mooney, and Menna Jones. "Relaxation of risk-sensitive behaviour of prey following disease-induced decline of an apex predator, the Tasmanian devil." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 282, no. 1810 (July 7, 2015): 20150124. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2015.0124.
Full textAbstract:
Apex predators structure ecosystems through lethal and non-lethal interactions with prey, and their global decline is causing loss of ecological function. Behavioural changes of prey are some of the most rapid responses to predator decline and may act as an early indicator of cascading effects. The Tasmanian devil ( Sarcophilus harrisii ), an apex predator, is undergoing progressive and extensive population decline, of more than 90% in long-diseased areas, caused by a novel disease. Time since local disease outbreak correlates with devil population declines and thus predation risk. We used hair traps and giving-up densities (GUDs) in food patches to test whether a major prey species of devils, the arboreal common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ), is responsive to the changing risk of predation when they forage on the ground. Possums spend more time on the ground, discover food patches faster and forage more to a lower GUD with increasing years since disease outbreak and greater devil population decline. Loss of top–down effects of devils with respect to predation risk was evident at 90% devil population decline, with possum behaviour indistinguishable from a devil-free island. Alternative predators may help to maintain risk-sensitive anti-predator behaviours in possums while devil populations remain low.
16
BERNHARDT, GLEN E., BRADLEY F. BLACKWELL, TRAVIS L. DeVAULT, and LISA KUTSCHBACH-BROHL. "Fatal injuries to birds from collisions with aircraft reveal anti-predator behaviours." Ibis 152, no. 4 (August 5, 2010): 830–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919x.2010.01043.x.
Full text
17
Saaristo, Minna, Alisha McLennan, Christopher P. Johnstone, Bradley O. Clarke, and Bob B. M. Wong. "Impacts of the antidepressant fluoxetine on the anti-predator behaviours of wild guppies ( Poecilia reticulata )." Aquatic Toxicology 183 (February 2017): 38–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.12.007.
Full text
18
Carrete, Martina, and José L. Tella. "Individual consistency in flight initiation distances in burrowing owls: a new hypothesis on disturbance-induced habitat selection." Biology Letters 6, no. 2 (October 28, 2009): 167–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2009.0739.
Full textAbstract:
Individuals often consistently differ in personalities and behaviours that allow them to cope with environmental variation. Flight initiation distance (FID) has been measured in a variety of taxa as an estimate of the risk that an individual is willing to take when facing a predator. FID has been used to test life-history trade-offs related to anti-predatory behaviour and for conservation purposes such as to establish buffer zones to minimize human disturbance, given its species-specific consistency. Individual consistency in FID, however, has been largely overlooked. Here we show that, even after controlling for several confounding effects, this behaviour has a strong individual component (repeatability = 0.84–0.92) in a bird species, leaving a small margin for behavioural flexibility. We hypothesize that individuals may distribute themselves among breeding sites depending on their individual susceptibility to human disturbance. This habitat selection hypothesis merits further research, given its implications on both evolutionary and applied ecology research. For example, selection of human-tolerant phenotypes may be promoted through the humanization of habitats occurring worldwide, and when population means instead of individual variability in FID are considered for designing buffer zones to reduce human impacts on wildlife.
19
Dawson, Erika H., and Lars Chittka. "Bumblebees ( Bombus terrestris ) use social information as an indicator of safety in dangerous environments." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 281, no. 1785 (June 22, 2014): 20133174. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3174.
Full textAbstract:
Avoiding predation is one of the most important challenges that an animal faces. Several anti-predation behaviours can be employed, yet simply using the presence of conspecifics can be a good signal of safety in an environment with potential predation hazards. Here, we show, for the first time, that past experience of predation causes bumblebees ( Bombus terrestris ) to aggregate with conspecifics, facilitating the identification of safe foraging patches. Bees were trained to differentiate between flowers that harboured predators and flowers that were predator free. When test subjects were subsequently presented solely with the previously predator-infested flower species, there was a significant preference to only land on flowers occupied by other feeding conspecifics. Yet, when safe flowers were made available to subjects previously entrained to discriminate safe from predator-occupied flowers, subjects ignored other bees and the social information potentially provided by them, demonstrating that attraction towards conspecifics is confined to dangerous situations. Our findings demonstrate a previously unknown social interaction in pollinators which may have important implications for plant–pollinator interactions.
20
Koprivnikar, Janet, and Theresa M. Y. Urichuk. "Time-lagged effect of predators on tadpole behaviour and parasite infection." Biology Letters 13, no. 9 (September 2017): 20170440. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2017.0440.
Full textAbstract:
Prey should adjust their defences against natural enemies to match their current level of risk and balance other needs. This is particularly important when optimal defences represent trade-offs, as is the case with many predator-induced trait-mediated indirect effects (TMIEs) that are antagonistic to those promoting host resistance to parasites and pathogens. However, trade-offs may depend on whether different natural enemies are present simultaneously or represent temporally discrete threats. We found that larval amphibians ( Anaxyrus americanus ) previously exposed to predator cues did not engage in anti-parasite behaviours (activity increases) in response to a current risk of infection by a pathogenic trematode parasite compared to controls, resulting in higher infection intensities. This suggests that the memory of the likely more lethal threat (predation) had greater influence, maladaptively dampening tadpole activity. Incorporating complexity inherent in natural systems, including spatial and temporal overlap, is necessary to better understand natural enemy ecology and how TMIEs relate to infectious diseases.
21
Flink, Henrik, Jane W. Behrens, and P. Andreas Svensson. "Consequences of eye fluke infection on anti-predator behaviours in invasive round gobies in Kalmar Sound." Parasitology Research 116, no. 6 (April 6, 2017): 1653–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-017-5439-5.
Full text
22
Peso, M., E. Curran, and P. R. Y. Backwell. "Not what it looks like: mate-searching behaviour, mate preferences and clutch production in wandering and territory-holding female fiddler crabs." Royal Society Open Science 3, no. 8 (August 2016): 160339. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160339.
Full textAbstract:
Risks inherent in mate-searching have led to the assumption that females moving sequentially through populations of courting males are sexually receptive, but this may not be true. We examined two types of fiddler crab females: wanderers moving through the population of courting males and residents that were occupying and defending their own territories. Sometimes residents leave territories to look for new burrows and we simulated this by displacing wanderers and residents and observing their behaviour while wandering. We predicted that the displaced wanderers would exhibit more mate-searching behaviours than resident females. However, wandering and resident females behaved nearly identically, displaying mate-searching behaviours and demonstrating matching mate preferences. Also, males behaved the same way towards both female types and similar proportions of wanderers and residents stayed in a male's burrow to mate. But more wanderers than residents produced egg clutches when choosing a burrow containing a male, suggesting females should be categorized as receptive and non-receptive. Visiting and rejecting several males is not the defining feature of female mate choice. Moving across the mudflat by approaching and leaving a succession of burrows (mostly occupied by males) is an adaptive anti-predator behaviour that is useful in the contexts of mate-searching and territory-searching.
23
Ohno, Tatsunori, and Takahisa Miyatake. "Drop or fly? Negative genetic correlation between death-feigning intensity and flying ability as alternative anti-predator strategies." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 274, no. 1609 (November 21, 2006): 555–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2006.3750.
Full textAbstract:
A prey animal may have the alternative of flying away or feigning death when it encounters predators. These alternatives have a genetic base as anti-predator strategies in the adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis . A negative genetic correlation between death-feigning intensity and flying ability was found in C. chinensis , i.e. lower flying ability is genetically connected to escaping by dropping from a perch and then feigning death, whereas higher flying ability does not correspond to death-feigning behaviour. Two bidirectional artificial selections for death-feigning duration and flying ability were conducted independently in C. chinensis . The strains selected for shorter (longer) duration of death-feigning had higher (lower) flying ability, while the strains selected for lower (higher) flying ability showed longer (shorter) duration of death-feigning. When the two traits were compared in 21 populations of C. chinensis derived from different geographical regions, a significant negative correlation was found between death-feigning intensity and flying ability. Based on these results, the choice between alternative escaping behaviours in animals is discussed from two points of view: phenotypic plasticity, an individual with two tactics; and pleiotropic genetic correlation, different individuals with opposite strategies.
24
Clermont, Jeanne, Charline Couchoux, Dany Garant, and Denis Réale. "Assessing anti-predator decisions of foraging eastern chipmunks under varying perceived risks: the effects of physical and social environments on vigilance." Behaviour 154, no. 2 (2017): 131–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003414.
Full textAbstract:
Animals foraging under risk have to trade-off resource acquisition and predator avoidance. Environmental factors can modulate the level of risk and should thus influence the expression of anti-predator behaviours such as vigilance. In this study, we investigated the effects of physical and social environments on eastern chipmunks’ (Tamias striatus) vigilance, by varying the perceived risk through playback experiments of alarm calls and neutral environmental sounds, and by integrating habitat and weather characteristics, as well as neighbour density. Chipmunks showed higher levels of vigilance when foraging in more open habitats, under high wind conditions, when they heard alarm calls and when surrounded by a high neighbour density. The effects of wind intensity and neighbour density on vigilance were also stronger during the broadcast of alarm calls rather than neutral sounds. Our results emphasize how both the physical and social environments can modify risk perception and therefore risk-taking decisions of foraging individuals.
25
Domenici, Paolo, Bridie Allan, Mark I. McCormick, and Philip L. Munday. "Elevated carbon dioxide affects behavioural lateralization in a coral reef fish." Biology Letters 8, no. 1 (August 17, 2011): 78–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2011.0591.
Full textAbstract:
Elevated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has recently been shown to affect chemosensory and auditory behaviour, and activity levels of larval reef fishes, increasing their risk of predation. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. Behavioural lateralization is an expression of brain functional asymmetries, and thus provides a unique test of the hypothesis that elevated CO 2 affects brain function in larval fishes. We tested the effect of near-future CO 2 concentrations (880 µatm) on behavioural lateralization in the reef fish, Neopomacentrus azysron . Individuals exposed to current-day or elevated CO 2 were observed in a detour test where they made repeated decisions about turning left or right. No preference for right or left turns was observed at the population level. However, individual control fish turned either left or right with greater frequency than expected by chance. Exposure to elevated-CO 2 disrupted individual lateralization, with values that were not different from a random expectation. These results provide compelling evidence that elevated CO 2 directly affects brain function in larval fishes. Given that lateralization enhances performance in a number of cognitive tasks and anti-predator behaviours, it is possible that a loss of lateralization could increase the vulnerability of larval fishes to predation in a future high-CO 2 ocean.
26
Janson, Charles H., Javier Monzón, and M. Celia Baldovino. "Experimental analysis of predator and prey detection abilities in rainforest: who has the advantage?" Behaviour 151, no. 10 (2014): 1491–512. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003198.
Full textAbstract:
Recent theoretical analyses have shown that anti-predator benefits in social groups depend on the attack distance of the predator relative to prey spacing within groups. Both attack distance and prey spacing depend on the ability of predator and prey to detect each other. Previous work on forest predators suggest that many depend on surprise to ambush their prey, thus we test the hypothesis that detection distances by eagles of monkeys are greater than vice versa, despite the supposed advantages of sociality in facilitating detection of predators by prey. We used field experiments in the wild to assess detection distances of both raptor predators and their natural monkey prey. Live hawk-eagles (Spizaetus), under rehabilitation from injury, were placed tethered to perches in the home ranges of two habituated wild study groups of tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus (apella) nigritus) in Iguazú National Park, Argentina. Analysis of video footage of the eagles during the approach of capuchin monkey groups allowed us to define the first moment of behaviours indicating detection by the eagle; detection behaviours of the monkeys near the eagle were recorded observationally by field assistants. The hawk-eagles always detected the monkeys (average distance 31.9 m) before the monkeys detected the predators (average distance 9.4 m). Predators always initially detected one or two spatially-peripheral individuals of the prey group. Distance of detection by the predators (and thus maximum possible attack distances) was significantly less than the prey group spread of 42–57 m. The short detection (and consequent short attack) distances by eagles of monkey prey in this habitat suggests that early warning of attacking eagles may not be a primary benefit of grouping in this case.
27
Salvanes, Anne Gro Vea, Olav Moberg, Lars O. E. Ebbesson, Tom Ole Nilsen, Knut Helge Jensen, and Victoria A. Braithwaite. "Environmental enrichment promotes neural plasticity and cognitive ability in fish." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 280, no. 1767 (September 22, 2013): 20131331. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.1331.
Full textAbstract:
Different kinds of experience during early life can play a significant role in the development of an animal's behavioural phenotype. In natural contexts, this influences behaviours from anti-predator responses to navigation abilities. By contrast, for animals reared in captive environments, the homogeneous nature of their experience tends to reduce behavioural flexibility. Studies with cage-reared rodents indicate that captivity often compromises neural development and neural plasticity. Such neural and behavioural deficits can be problematic if captive-bred animals are being reared with the intention of releasing them as part of a conservation strategy. Over the last decade, there has been growing interest in the use of environmental enrichment to promote behavioural flexibility in animals that are bred for release. Here, we describe the positive effects of environmental enrichment on neural plasticity and cognition in juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Exposing fish to enriched conditions upregulated the forebrain expression of NeuroD1 mRNA and improved learning ability assessed in a spatial task. The addition of enrichment to the captive environment thus promotes neural and behavioural changes that are likely to promote behavioural flexibility and improve post-release survival.
28
Walzer, Andreas, and Peter Schausberger. "Phenotypic plasticity in anti-intraguild predator strategies: mite larvae adjust their behaviours according to vulnerability and predation risk." Experimental and Applied Acarology 60, no. 1 (October 28, 2012): 95–115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10493-012-9624-z.
Full text
29
Hamer, Rowena P., Riana Z. Gardiner, Kirstin M. Proft, Christopher N. Johnson, and Menna E. Jones. "A triple threat: high population density, high foraging intensity and flexible habitat preferences explain high impact of feral cats on prey." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 288, no. 1942 (January 6, 2021): 20201194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.1194.
Full textAbstract:
Alien mammalian carnivores have contributed disproportionately to global loss of biodiversity. In Australia, predation by the feral cat and red fox is one of the most significant causes of the decline of native vertebrates. To discover why cats have greater impacts on prey than native predators, we compared the ecology of the feral cat to a marsupial counterpart, the spotted-tailed quoll. Individual prey are 20–200 times more likely to encounter feral cats, because of the combined effects of cats' higher population densities, greater intensity of home-range use and broader habitat preferences. These characteristics also mean that the costs to the prey of adopting anti-predator behaviours against feral cats are likely to be much higher than adopting such behaviours in response to spotted-tailed quolls, due to the reliability and ubiquity of feral cat cues. These results help explain the devastating impacts of cats on wildlife in Australia and other parts of the world.
30
Giroux, Marie-Andrée, Myriam Trottier-Paquet, Joël Bêty, Vincent Lamarre, and Nicolas Lecomte. "Is it safe to nest near conspicuous neighbours? Spatial patterns in predation risk associated with the density of American Golden-Plover nests." PeerJ 4 (August 10, 2016): e2193. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2193.
Full textAbstract:
Predation is one of the main factors explaining nesting mortality in most bird species. Birds can avoid nest predation or reduce predation pressure by breeding at higher latitude, showing anti-predator behaviour, selecting nest sites protected from predators, and nesting in association with protective species. American Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis dominica) defend their territory by using various warning and distraction behaviours displayed at varying levels of intensity (hereafter “conspicuous behaviour”), as well as more aggressive behaviours such as aerial attacks, but only in some populations. Such antipredator behaviour has the potential to repel predators and thus benefit the neighbouring nests by decreasing their predation risk. Yet, conspicuous behaviour could also attract predators by signalling the presence of a nest. To test for the existence of a protective effect associated with the conspicuous antipredator behaviour of American Golden-Plovers, we studied the influence of proximity to plover nests on predation risk of artificial nests on Igloolik Island (Nunavut, Canada) in July 2014. We predicted that the predation risk of artificial nests would decrease with proximity to and density of plover nests. We monitored 18 plover nests and set 35 artificial nests at 30, 50, 100, 200, and 500 m from seven of those plover nests. We found that the predation risk of artificial nests increases with the density of active plover nests. We also found a significant negative effect of the distance to the nearest active protector nest on predation risk of artificial nests. Understanding how the composition and structure of shorebird communities generate spatial patterns in predation risks represents a key step to better understand the importance of these species of conservation concern in tundra food webs.
31
Li, Binbin, Anat Belasen, Panayiotis Pafilis, Peter Bednekoff, and Johannes Foufopoulos. "Effects of feral cats on the evolution of anti-predator behaviours in island reptiles: insights from an ancient introduction." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 281, no. 1788 (August 7, 2014): 20140339. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.0339.
Full textAbstract:
Exotic predators have driven the extinction of many island species. We examined impacts of feral cats on the abundance and anti-predator behaviours of Aegean wall lizards in the Cyclades (Greece), where cats were introduced thousands of years ago. We compared populations with high and low cat density on Naxos Island and populations on surrounding islets with no cats. Cats reduced wall lizard populations by half. Lizards facing greater risk from cats stayed closer to refuges, were more likely to shed their tails in a standardized assay, and fled at greater distances when approached by either a person in the field or a mounted cat decoy in the laboratory. All populations showed phenotypic plasticity in flight initiation distance, suggesting that this feature is ancient and could have helped wall lizards survive the initial introduction of cats to the region. Lizards from islets sought shelter less frequently and often initially approached the cat decoy. These differences reflect changes since islet isolation and could render islet lizards strongly susceptible to cat predation.
32
Coulson, Graeme, Jemma K. Cripps, Sarah Garnick, Verity Bristow, and Ian Beveridge. "Parasite insight: assessing fitness costs, infection risks and foraging benefits relating to gastrointestinal nematodes in wild mammalian herbivores." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 373, no. 1751 (June 4, 2018): 20170197. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2017.0197.
Full textAbstract:
Mammalian herbivores are typically infected by parasitic nematodes, which are acquired through direct, faecal–oral transmission. These parasites can cause significant production losses in domestic livestock, but much less is known about impacts on wild mammalian hosts. We review three elements of parasitism from the host's perspective: fitness costs of infection, risks of infection during foraging and benefits of nutritious pasture. The majority of wildlife studies have been observational, but experimental manipulation is increasing. Treatment with anthelmintics to manipulate parasite load has revealed varied impacts of parasites on fitness variables across host species, but has not produced consistent evidence for parasite-induced anorexia or impaired body condition. Some experimental studies of infection risk have manipulated faecal contamination and detected faecal avoidance by hosts. Only two field studies have explored the trade-off between infection risk and nutritional benefit generated by avoidance of contaminated patches. Overall, field studies of costs, risks and benefits of the host–parasite relationship are limited and few have examined more than one of these elements. Parasitism has much in common with predation, and future insights into anti-parasite responses by wild hosts could be gained from the conceptual and technical developments in research on anti-predator behaviour. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Evolution of pathogen and parasite avoidance behaviours’.
33
Kotler, BP, JS Brown, and WA Mitchell. "The Role of Predation in Shaping the Behavior, Morphology and Community Organization of Desert Rodents." Australian Journal of Zoology 42, no. 4 (1994): 449. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9940449.
Full textAbstract:
Predation greatly influences many aspects of the ecology of desert rodents, from foraging behaviour to mechanisms of species coexistence to the evolution of specialised morphologies. Using a foraging-theory approach, we examine consequences of predation for assemblages of desert rodents from North America and the Middle East. In particular, we review experimental evidence that examines the influence of predation on foraging costs and foraging behaviour, explore how predation can act to structure communities, and discuss the role that predation may have played in the evolution of bipedal locomotion. Finally, we compare the importance of predation for the evolution of anti-predator behaviours and morphology, for population dynamics, and for community processes, with its magnitude and heterogeneity. In regard to foraging behaviour, desert rodents treat the risk of predation as a cost of foraging. They combine assessments of food and safety to arrive at foraging decisions, exploiting resource patches less intensively in response to increased predatory risk. The cost of predation can be up to 91% of the foraging costs of desert rodents, but the proportion is greater for Middle Eastern rodents than for North American rodents. In regard to community structure, predation can provide the niche axis as well as the necessary tradeoff for species coexistence. Despite the importance of predation in shaping the foraging behaviour of desert rodents, predation may not always influence species coexistence. Predation contributes to species coexistence at sites in the Sonoran and Great Basin deserts. But in the Negev Desert, where predation costs are the greatest, predation does not provide a mechanism of species coexistence. In regard to bipedal locomotion, predation most likely confers superior ability to avoid predators by improving sprint speed and ability to take evasive action, but at the expense of foraging ability in safe microhabitats. The evolution of bipedality will be favoured by situations where the risk of predation is great: the open microhabitat is riskier than the bush, the richest patches are found in the riskiest places, and rich patches are far apart. The magnitude of predatory risk will affect the evolution of anti-predator behaviour and morphologies. However, the importance of predation in community processes is not determined by its magnitude, but by its heterogeneity in time and space relative to the abilities of potentially coexisting species.
34
Hague, Emily L., Nick McCaffrey, Rachel Shucksmith, and Lauren McWhinnie. "Predation in the Anthropocene: Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) Utilising Aquaculture Infrastructure as Refuge to Evade Foraging Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)." Aquatic Mammals 48, no. 4 (July 15, 2022): 380–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/am.48.4.2022.380.
Full textAbstract:
The rapid emergence of new marine developments (e.g., marine renewables, port infrastructure) alongside the substantial growth of existing industries has ultimately resulted in an unprecedented increase in anthropogenic structures within the marine environment over the previous century. Knowledge of whether marine species interact with, avoid, or accommodate and adapt to such structures is essential to ensure that further development of marine environments do not compromise conservation objectives of marine species. This article documents one such interaction. Herein, we describe the observation of a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) seeking refuge from a group of foraging killer whales (Orcinus orca) within a blue (aka common) mussel (Mytilus edulis) farm. Aerial video footage (38 min 27 s) was collected using an unmanned aerial system during an encounter at an aquaculture site in Gulberwick Bay, Shetland, UK. Analysis of the footage showed the killer whale group spent 73.7% of the total encounter time exhibiting predatory associated behaviours and that they were observed interacting with the mussel farm infrastructure only during “predation activity” for a total of 26 min 52 s (72.8%). The harbour seal interacted with the mussel farm infrastructure during re- and proactive anti-predator behaviour and when exhibiting fatigue for 27 min 59 s, 94.4% of the total time the seal was observed. It is clear that both marine and terrestrial predator–prey interactions are increasingly occurring in settings that are in some way defined by the Anthropocene. The implications of this are discussed, including potential entanglement risk and human-altered “landscapes of fear.” As comprehension of the potential effects of human-altered risk grows, such knowledge should be taken into consideration prior to further modification of marine habitats.
35
Stears, Keenan, Melissa H. Schmitt, Christopher C. Wilmers, and Adrian M. Shrader. "Mixed-species herding levels the landscape of fear." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 287, no. 1922 (March 4, 2020): 20192555. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2555.
Full textAbstract:
Prey anti-predator behaviours are influenced by perceived predation risk in a landscape and social information gleaned from herd mates regarding predation risk. It is well documented that high-quality social information about risk can come from heterospecific herd mates. Here, we integrate social information with the landscape of fear to quantify how these landscapes are modified by mixed-species herding. To do this, we investigated zebra vigilance in single- and mixed-species herds across different levels of predation risk (lion versus no lion), and assessed how they manage herd size and the competition–information trade-off associated with grouping behaviour. Overall, zebra performed higher vigilance in high-risk areas. However, mixed-species herding reduced vigilance levels. We estimate that zebra in single-species herds would have to feed for approximately 35 min more per day in low-risk areas and approximately 51 min more in high-risk areas to compensate for the cost of higher vigilance. Furthermore, zebra benefitted from the competition–information trade-off by increasing the number of heterospecifics while keeping the number of zebra in a herd constant. Ultimately, we show that mixed-species herding reduces the effects of predation risk, whereby zebra in mixed-species herds, under high predation risk, perform similar levels of vigilance compared with zebra in low-risk scenarios.
36
Nebel, Carina, Petra Sumasgutner, Adrien Pajot, and Arjun Amar. "Response time of an avian prey to a simulated hawk attack is slower in darker conditions, but is independent of hawk colour morph." Royal Society Open Science 6, no. 8 (August 2019): 190677. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.190677.
Full textAbstract:
To avoid predation, many species rely on vision to detect predators and initiate an escape response. The ability to detect predators may be lower in darker light conditions or with darker backgrounds. For birds, however, this has never been experimentally tested. We test the hypothesis that the response time of avian prey (feral pigeon Columbia livia f. domestica ) to a simulated hawk attack (taxidermy mounted colour-polymorphic black sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus ) will differ depending on light levels or background colour. We predict that response will be slower under darker conditions, which would translate into higher predation risk. The speed of response of prey in relation to light level or background colour may also interact with the colour of the predator, and this idea underpins a key hypothesis proposed for the maintenance of different colour morphs in polymorphic raptors. We therefore test whether the speed of reaction is influenced by the morph of the hawk (dark/light) in combination with light conditions (dull/bright), or background colours (black/white). We predict slowest responses to morphs under conditions that less contrast with the plumage of the hawk (e.g. light morph under bright light or white background). In support of our first hypothesis, pigeons reacted slower under duller light and with a black background. However, we found no support for the second hypothesis, with response times observed between the hawk-morphs being irrespective of light levels or background colour. Our findings experimentally confirm that birds detect avian predators less efficiently under darker conditions. These conditions, for example, might occur during early mornings or in dense forests, which could lead to changes in anti-predator behaviours. However, our results provide no support that different morphs may be maintained in a population due to differential selective advantages linked to improved hunting efficiencies in different conditions due to crypsis.
37
Merilaita, Sami. "Artificial neural networks and the study of evolution of prey coloration." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 362, no. 1479 (January 11, 2007): 421–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2006.1969.
Full textAbstract:
In this paper, I investigate the use of artificial neural networks in the study of prey coloration. I briefly review the anti-predator functions of prey coloration and describe both in general terms and with help of two studies as specific examples the use of neural network models in the research on prey coloration. The first example investigates the effect of visual complexity of background on evolution of camouflage. The second example deals with the evolutionary choice of defence strategy, crypsis or aposematism. I conclude that visual information processing by predators is central in evolution of prey coloration. Therefore, the capability to process patterns as well as to imitate aspects of predator's information processing and responses to visual information makes neural networks a well-suited modelling approach for the study of prey coloration. In addition, their suitability for evolutionary simulations is an advantage when complex or dynamic interactions are modelled. Since not all behaviours of neural network models are necessarily biologically relevant, it is important to validate a neural network model with empirical data. Bringing together knowledge about neural networks with knowledge about topics of prey coloration would provide a potential way to deepen our understanding of the specific appearances of prey coloration.
38
Eason, Perri, and E. Natasha Vanderhoff. "The response of American robins (Turdus migratorius) to aerial alarms." Behaviour 146, no. 3 (2009): 415–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853909x410982.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractAlarm calls are important signals that allow individuals to convey information about both predator type and risk level. How individuals respond to these calls may depend on both the intensity of the call as well as the age of the responder. We investigated an aerial alarm call of the American robin and specifically examined how call rate (reflecting intensity) and age affect the anti-predator behaviors of responders. Both juveniles and adults significantly altered their behavior upon hearing playbacks of seet calls; they foraged less and increased vigilance and other anti-predator behaviors. Adult robins were also able to distinguish between low intensity and high intensity calls; skygazing, an important behaviour that allows robins to scan for raptors, increased with call rate. Juveniles, on the other hand, skygazed less and there was a trend for juveniles to spend more time alert than adults suggesting that some learning may be involved.
39
Sun, Xiaodan, Yingping Li, and Yanni Xiao. "A Predator–Prey Model with Prey Population Guided Anti-Predator Behavior." International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos 27, no. 07 (June 30, 2017): 1750099. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s0218127417500997.
Full textAbstract:
We consider a predator–prey system with prey population guided anti-predator behavior, in which anti-predator behaviors happen only when the population size of the prey is greater than a threshold. We investigate the rich dynamics of the proposed piecewise model as well as both subsystems without and with nonlinear functional response. In particular, the subsystem with anti-predator behaviors exhibits rich dynamical behaviors including saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation and homoclinic bifurcation. Further, besides the dynamical properties of subsystems the piecewise system shows some new complicated dynamical behaviors as the threshold value varies, including unstable limit cycle, semistable limit cycle, bistability of equilibrium and limit cycle, and tristability of three equilibria. From the switching system we can conclude that a great anti-predator rate induces the prey population to persist more likely, but whether the prey and predator populations coexist depends further on the threshold that triggers anti-predator behavior. Especially, a large threshold not only makes coexistence of the prey and predator populations as an equilibrium more likely, but also damps the predator–prey oscillations.
40
Smith, Blaire L., Cara L. Snell, Matthew W. Reudink, and Ken A. Otter. "Urban-nesting mountain chickadees have a reduced response to a simulated predator." Behaviour 159, no. 3-4 (September 21, 2021): 301–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-bja10122.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Anti-predator behaviour is common among birds, but little research exists on whether differences in the predator landscape between urban and rural habitats results in differential anti-predator behaviour. We compared nest-defence behaviour of mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) in urban and rural habitats in Kamloops, BC, Canada to a simulated predator model (snake) on top of nest boxes while incubating females were away from nests on foraging bouts. Upon their return, we recorded proximity to the predator model, latency to contact the nest box and enter the nest, and number of gargle and chick-a-dee calls as measures of anti-predator behaviour and compared multivariate “predator aversion scores” across birds occupying either rural or urban landscapes. Rural-nesting birds had more aversive reactions to the predator model than the urban-nesting birds, which may suggest differences in perceived threat of the model, in combination with increased boldness associated with urban-nesting birds.
41
Grand, Tamara. "RISK-TAKING BY THREESPINE STICKLEBACK (GASTEROSTEUS ACULEATUS) PELVIC PHENOTYPES: DOES MORPHOLOGY PREDICT BEHAVIOUR?" Behaviour 137, no. 7-8 (2000): 889–906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853900502510.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractThe relationship between risk-taking behaviour and anti-predator morphology was studied in benthic threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from Paxton and Priest Lakes on Texada Island, British Columbia, Canada. In general, Priest Lake benthics possess complete pelvic girdles and numerous lateral plates. In contrast, Paxton Lake benthics exhibit an apparent polymorphism in anti-predator morphology; some individuals possess complete pelvic girdles while others lack them entirely. Although phenotypes tended to differ in their willingness to risk exposure to a trout predator while foraging, the predicted positive relationship between risk-taking behaviour and anti-predator morphology was not observed. While 'girdled' Paxton individuals were more willing to forage in the vicinity of the predator than 'girdleless' Paxton individuals, the more heavily armoured Priest fish were intermediate in their risk-taking behaviour. These results suggest that the relationship between risktaking behaviour and anti-predator morphology may be influenced by differences between phenotypes in predation regime and life history.
42
Fleitz, Julie, Manfred R. Enstipp, Emilie Parent, Jonathan Jumeau, Yves Handrich, and Mathilde L. Tissier. "Improving the success of reinforcement programs: effects of a two-week confinement in a field enclosure on the anti-predator behaviour of captive-bred European hamsters." PeerJ 11 (September 1, 2023): e15812. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15812.
Full textAbstract:
Captive breeding programs are an important pillar in biodiversity conservation, aiming to prevent the extinction of threatened species. However, the establishment of self-sustaining populations in the wild through the release of captive-bred animals is often hampered by a high mortality upon release. In this study, we investigated how a 2-week confinement period within a large field enclosure affected the anti-predator behaviour of ‘naive’ captive-bred hamsters and how potential modifications persisted over time. During three consecutive tests, hamsters were confronted with a moving predator model (a red fox mount, Vulpes vulpes) and their behaviour was filmed. After the initial round of confrontation with the predator model, one group of hamsters (field group) was released into a field enclosure protected from predators, while the other group (control) remained in their individual laboratory cages. After 2 weeks, hamsters from the field group were recaptured and individuals of both groups underwent a second confrontation test. A total of 1 month after their return from the field enclosure, field hamsters were subjected to a last confrontation test. Video analysis, investigating four behavioural variables, revealed that field hamsters significantly modified their behavioural response following the 2 weeks confinement in the enclosure, while this was not the case for control hamsters. In addition, most behavioural modifications in field hamsters persisted over 1 month, while others started to revert. We suggest that an appropriate pre-release period inside a field enclosure will enable naive (captive-bred) hamsters to develop an adequate anti-predator behaviour that will increase their immediate survival probability upon release into the wild. We believe that such measure will be of great importance for hamster conservation programs.
43
Palmer, Meredith S., and Craig Packer. "Reactive anti-predator behavioral strategy shaped by predator characteristics." PLOS ONE 16, no. 8 (August 18, 2021): e0256147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256147.
Full textAbstract:
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. We hypothesized that the choice of response would be driven by a predator’s hunting style (i.e., ambush vs. coursing) while the intensity at which the behavior was performed would correlate with predator traits that contribute to the prey’s relative risk (i.e., each predator’s prey preference, prey-specific capture success, and local predator density). We found that the choice and intensity of anti-predator behaviors were both shaped by hunting style and relative risk factors. All prey species directed longer periods of vigilance towards predators with higher capture success. The decision to flee was the only behavior choice driven by predator characteristics (capture success and hunting style) while intensity of vigilance, frequency of alarm-calling, and flight latency were modulated based on predator hunting strategy and relative risk level. Impala regulated only the intensity of their behaviors, while zebra and wildebeest changed both type and intensity of response based on predator traits. Zebra and impala reacted to multiple components of predation threat, while wildebeest responded solely to capture success. Overall, our findings suggest that certain behaviors potentially facilitate survival under specific contexts and that prey responses may reflect the perceived level of predation risk, suggesting that adaptive functions to reactive anti-predator behaviors may reflect potential trade-offs to their use. The strong influence of prey species identity and social and environmental context suggest that these factors may interact with predator traits to determine the optimal response to immediate predation threat.
44
Pecorella, I., F. Ferretti, A. Sforzi, and E. Macchi. "Effects of culling on vigilance behaviour and endogenous stress response of female fallow deer." Wildlife Research 43, no. 3 (2016): 189. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr15118.
Full textAbstract:
Context Human activities can induce behavioural and stress responses in wild animals. Information is scarce on the effects of culling on anti-predator behaviour and endogenous stress response of wild ungulates. Aims In a Mediterranean area, we evaluated the effects of culling on vigilance, foraging and endogenous stress response of female fallow deer (Dama dama). Methods Effects of culling were evaluated through behavioural observations and hormone analyses of faecal samples. Key results In an area where culling occurred (C), individuals showed significantly greater vigilance rates and foraged closer to wood than in an area with no culling (NC). In C, 24 h after culling, faecal cortisol concentrations were greater than those recorded in NC, but they decreased significantly to values comparable to (48 h post-shot) and lower than (72 h post-shot) those observed in NC. Conclusions Most likely, culling determined behavioural responses in female fallow deer, but did not trigger long-term physiological effects. Implications Increased anti-predator behaviour may complicate the implementation of long-term culling programs.
45
Cowan, Joseph, and Grant Brown. "FORAGING TRADE-OFFS AND PREDATOR INSPECTION IN AN OSTARIOPHYSAN FISH: SWITCHING FROM CHEMICAL TO VISUAL CUES." Behaviour 137, no. 2 (2000): 181–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853900502015.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractUnder laboratory conditions, we investigated the presence of a foraging trade-off in the chemical predator inspection behaviour of finescale dace (Chrosomus neogaeus). Dace were fed ad libitum, or food deprived for 24 or 48 hours and allowed to inspect a live yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in the presence of the chemical cues of a perch fed dace (with alarm pheromone) or swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri; without alarm pheromones). Dace exposed to the odour of a perch fed swordtails exhibited no evidence of a trade-off in either anti-predator behaviour or predator inspection behaviour. When fed ad libitum and exposed to the odour of a perch fed dace, individuals exhibited significantly greater anti-predator behaviour (increased shoaling, decreased area use and greater frequency of dashing and freezing behaviour) when compared to the swordtail diet control. Predator inspection behaviour was also significantly affected (increased latency to inspect and minimum distance approached towards the predator and fewer inspectors per visit). However, when food deprived for 24 or 48 hours, dace exhibited no differences in either anti-predator or predator inspection behaviour when exposed to the odour of perch fed dace versus perch fed swordtails. These data demonstrate that predator inspection behaviour based on the chemical cues of a potential predator is subject to foraging trade-offs and that individual prey may reduce their overall risk of predation by increasing the use of visual cues.
46
Wishingrad, Van, Annessa B. Musgrove, Douglas P. Chivers, and Maud C. O. Ferrari. "Risk in a changing world: environmental cues drive anti-predator behaviour in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the absence of predators." Behaviour 152, no. 5 (2015): 635–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003246.
Full textAbstract:
Rapidly changing climates and habitats represent challenges faced by the majority of animal species on our planet, and are leading to rapid declines in global biodiversity. However, the degree to which behaviour is influenced by changing environmental cues is not well understood. Specifically, environmental cues that have been correlated with predator abundance or performance over evolutionary history may have significant effects on prey behaviour. In the present study, we investigated the role of water clarity on foraging activity in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the absence of predators. Foraging activity was significantly higher during the night than the day and was higher in turbid environments versus clear environments, indicating that decreased turbidity alone, may in part drive anti-predator behaviour and constrain foraging activity. Future work exploring the interconnectedness of environmental cues and behavioural changes will help us better understand the many ways rapidly changing environments can influence behavioural ecological processes.
47
Al Idrus, Ainun Sukmawati, Ayub Prianto Abd. Gani, and Nurlaila Zaid. "Analisis Dinamik Model Predator-Prey dengan Struktur Usia dan Perilaku Anti-Predator." Research in the Mathematical and Natural Sciences 1, no. 2 (August 14, 2022): 22–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.55657/rmns.v1i2.63.
Full textAbstract:
This article discusses the Predator-prey Holling type II model involving age structure and anti-predator behaviour. The age structure is given to the predator population, which is divided into two, namely juvenile predators and adult predators, while in the prey population, there is anti-predator behaviour, namely the tendency to defend against predator attacks. The model analysis includes the determination of a fixed point, analysis of the stability of the fixed point and numerical simulation. Three fixed points were obtained, namely the fixed point of population extinction (), the fixed point of predator extinction and the fixed point of population existence. Stability analysis shows that is always a saddle while and are conditionally stable. Furthermore, it is shown that the two conditions are both stable nodes. At the end, a simulation shows that the population dynamics that occur are highly dependent on the initial conditions of the population and the value of the anti-predator behaviour parameter of the prey population.
48
Pedroso-Santos, Fillipe, and Carlos Eduardo Costa-Campos. "Anti-predator behaviour of Rhinella major (Müller and Hellmich 1936), with insights into the Rhinella granulosa group." Herpetozoa 34 (September 23, 2021): 195–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e66909.
Full textAbstract:
In anurans, the different types of anti-predator behaviour have been documented in isolation, but some species have shown synergistic strategies in different situations. The display of these types of behaviour may be related to the types of predators in the habitat, which boost defensive responses in their prey. However, most reports are mostly opportunistic and punctual observations, not systematic. Here, we report the occurrence of anti-predator behaviour in the toad Rhinella major (Müller and Hellmich 1936) (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) in the face of different handling modes. Probably the disturbance caused by handling had elicited a predator deterrence response in the individual, causing it to rapidly exhibit such behaviour. These conditions are discussed along with an overview of anti-predator behaviour in species of the R. granulosa group and we re-interpreted these strategies for two species in the group.
49
Saha, Sangeeta, and G. P. Samanta. "Effect of anti-predator behaviour in a prey-predator system with strong Allee effect in prey population." Filomat 35, no. 14 (2021): 4837–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/fil2114837s.
Full textAbstract:
In this work a predator-prey model is proposed where prey species shows anti-predator behaviour to save themselves from predator?s attack. Moreover, a strong Allee effect has been introduced in the prey population to make the model more realistic to the environment. Both generalist and specialist predators have been taken to observe the system dynamics minutely. The predator population decreases with increasing value of ?rate coefficient of anti-predator behaviour? when generalist predator is considered but in presence of the specialist predator, the predator population first increases up to a threshold value and then decreases. It means a very small rate of anti-predation does not affect the predator?s growth very much but if prey attacks the predator at a larger rate, then the predator population decreases. Also, the existence of one dimensional and two-dimensional bifurcations have been observed by making different parameters as bifurcating parameters around the steady states.
50
Matsumura, Kentarou, Kota Yumise, Yui Fujii, Toma Hayashi, and Takahisa Miyatake. "Anti-predator behaviour depends on male weapon size." Biology Letters 16, no. 12 (December 2020): 20200601. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2020.0601.
Full textAbstract:
Tonic immobility and escape are adaptive anti-predator tactics used by many animals. Escape requires movement, whereas tonic immobility does not. If anti-predator tactics relate to weapon size, males with larger weapons may adopt tonic immobility, whereas males with smaller weapons may adopt escape. However, no study has investigated the relationship between weapon size and anti-predator tactics. In this study, we investigated the relationship between male weapon size and tonic immobility in the beetle Gnathocerus cornutus . The results showed that tonic immobility was more frequent in males with larger weapons. Although most studies of tonic immobility in beetles have focused on the duration, rather than the frequency, tonic immobility duration was not affected by weapon size in G . cornutus . Therefore, this study is the first, to our knowledge, to suggest that the male weapon trait affects anti-predator tactics.