1
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Taylor P, Swan M, Sitters H, Smith A, Di Stefano J. Small mammals reduce activity during high moon illumination under risk of predation by introduced predators. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10532. [PMID: 37386037 PMCID: PMC10310734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Predation influences prey survival and drives evolution of anti-predator behaviour. Anti-predator strategies by prey are stimulated by direct encounters with predators, but also by exposure to indicators of risk such as moonlight illumination and vegetation cover. Many prey species will suffer increased risk on moonlit nights, but risk may be reduced by the presence of dense vegetation. Determining the role of vegetation in reducing perceived risk is important, especially given predictions of increased global wildfire, which consumes vegetation and increases predation. We used remote cameras in southeastern Australia to compare support for the predation risk and habitat-mediated predation risk hypotheses. We examined the influence of moonlight and understorey cover on seven 20-2500 g mammalian prey species and two introduced predators, red foxes and feral cats. Activity of all prey species reduced by 40-70% with increasing moonlight, while one species (bush rat) reduced activity in response to increasing moonlight more sharply in low compared to high understorey cover. Neither predator responded to moonlight. Our findings supported the predation risk hypothesis and provided limited support for the habitat-mediated predation risk hypothesis. For prey, perceived costs of increased predation risk on moonlit nights outweighed any benefits of a brighter foraging environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Taylor
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - M Swan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia.
| | - H Sitters
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia
| | - A Smith
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia
| | - J Di Stefano
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC, 3363, Australia
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2
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Wallach AD, Ramp D, Benítez-López A, Wooster EIF, Carroll S, Carthey AJR, Rogers EIE, Middleton O, Zawada KJA, Svenning JC, Avidor E, Lundgren E. Savviness of prey to introduced predators. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14012. [PMID: 36178043 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The prey naivety hypothesis posits that prey are vulnerable to introduced predators because many generations in slow gradual coevolution are needed for appropriate avoidance responses to develop. It predicts that prey will be more responsive to native than introduced predators and less responsive to introduced predators that differ substantially from native predators and from those newly established. To test these predictions, we conducted a global meta-analysis of studies that measured the wariness responses of small mammals to the scent of sympatric mammalian mesopredators. We identified 26 studies that met our selection criteria. These studies comprised 134 experiments reporting on the responses of 36 small mammal species to the scent of six introduced mesopredators and 12 native mesopredators. For each introduced mesopredator, we measured their phylogenetic and functional distance to local native mesopredators and the number of years sympatric with their prey. We used predator and prey body mass as a measure of predation risk. Globally, small mammals were similarly wary of the scent of native and introduced mesopredators; phylogenetic and functional distance between introduced mesopredators and closest native mesopredators had no effect on wariness; and wariness was unrelated to the number of prey generations, or years, since first contact with introduced mesopredators. Small mammal wariness was associated with predator-prey body mass ratio, regardless of the nativity. The one thing animals do not seem to recognize is whether their predators are native.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian D Wallach
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana Benítez-López
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Eamonn I F Wooster
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scott Carroll
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Alexandra J R Carthey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin I E Rogers
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Owen Middleton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Kyle J A Zawada
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ella Avidor
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erick Lundgren
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Pearson EL, Mellish S, McLeod EM, Sanders B, Ryan JC. Can we save Australia’s endangered wildlife by increasing species recognition? J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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4
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Heise-Pavlov S, Bradley A. When ancestry haunts – can evolutionary links to ancestors affect vulnerability of Australian prey to introduced predators? A preliminary study. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am20061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The high extinction risk of Australian marsupials has been attributed to their failure to recognise novel predators, the application of inappropriate antipredator responses, and advanced hunting strategies of novel predators. This study is a preliminary attempt to explore whether the Lumholtz’ tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) (a) is able to recognise odour cues from different predators as threats, and (b) possesses predator-archetype specific antipredator responses. A small number of available captive tree-kangaroos were exposed to faecal odours from two extant predators of different archetypes (python, dingo), a regionally extinct predator which closely matches past terrestrial predators (Tasmanian devil), and a novel predator (domestic dog). Lavender oil was used as non-predator novel odour and water as control. Results suggest that all subjects associated the presented odours with a threat, albeit to different degrees, but did not display predator-archetype specific responses. It appears that this species applies an ancestral antipredator response of flight-on-the ground when encountering predators, including novel predators. Although the results need to be confirmed with more animals, further studies on the vulnerability of Australian prey to novel predators should take the ancestral history of Australian prey species into account.
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5
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Webb EB, McArthur C, Woolfenden L, Higgins DP, Krockenberger MB, Mella VSA. Risk of predation and disease transmission at artificial water stations. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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6
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Meyer NFV, Balkenhol N, Dutta T, Hofman M, Meyer JY, Ritchie EG, Alley C, Beranek C, Bugir CK, Callen A, Clulow S, Cove MV, Klop-Toker K, Lopez OR, Mahony M, Scanlon R, Sharma S, Shute E, Upton R, Guilbault E, Griffin AS, Hernández Pérez E, Howell LG, King JP, Lenga D, O Donoghue P, Hayward MW. Beyond species counts for assessing, valuing, and conserving biodiversity: response to Wallach et al. 2019. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:369-372. [PMID: 33351986 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ninon F V Meyer
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Niko Balkenhol
- Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Trishna Dutta
- Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 3, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Maarten Hofman
- Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Belgrade, 11073, Serbia
| | - Jean-Yves Meyer
- Délégation à la Recherche, Gouvernement de la Polynésie française, B.P. 20981, Papeete, Tahiti, 98713, French Polynesia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Charlotte Alley
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Chad Beranek
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Cassandra K Bugir
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Alex Callen
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael V Cove
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, U.S.A
| | - Kaya Klop-Toker
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Omar R Lopez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton, Panama, Postal 0843-01103, Panama
- Smithonian Tropical Research Institute, Ancon, Balboa, Panama, Postal 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Michael Mahony
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Robert Scanlon
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sandeep Sharma
- Department of Conservation Biology, J.F. Blumenbach Institute of Zoology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37073, Germany
| | - Elen Shute
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Rose Upton
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Emy Guilbault
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea S Griffin
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Edwin Hernández Pérez
- Department of Biodiversity Conservation, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Rancho Poligono 2-A, Lerma, Campeche, 24500, Mexico
| | - Lachlan G Howell
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - John-Paul King
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Dean Lenga
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Patrick O Donoghue
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Matt W Hayward
- Conservation Science Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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7
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Hamer RP, Gardiner RZ, Proft KM, Johnson CN, Jones ME. A triple threat: high population density, high foraging intensity and flexible habitat preferences explain high impact of feral cats on prey. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20201194. [PMID: 33402069 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena P Hamer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia.,Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Riana Z Gardiner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Kirstin M Proft
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
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8
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Fardell LL, Bedoya-Pérez MA, Dickman CR, Crowther MS, Pavey CR, Narayan EJ. Are physiological and behavioural responses to stressors displayed concordantly by wild urban rodents? Naturwissenschaften 2021; 108:5. [PMID: 33411125 PMCID: PMC7790802 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding wild animal responses to stressors underpins effective wildlife management. In order for responses to stressors to be correctly interpreted, it is critical that measurements are taken on wild animals using minimally invasive techniques. Studies investigating wild animal responses to stressors often measure either a single physiological or behavioural variable, but whether such responses are comparable and concordant remains uncertain. We investigated this question in a pilot study that measured responses of wild-caught urban brown and black rats (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus) to fur-based olfactory cues from a predator, the domestic cat (Felis catus); a novel herbivore, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); and a familiar herbivore and competitor, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Physiological responses, measured by assaying faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, were compared to behavioural responses observed via video recordings. We found that physiological and behavioural responses to stressors were expressed concordantly. There was no sizeable physiological response observed, and the behavioural response when considered across the night was negligible. However, the behavioural response to the predator and competitor cues changed across the observation period, with activity increasing with increasing hours of exposure. Our results indicate that responses of wild rodents to cues are nuanced, with stress responses modulated by behaviour changes that vary over time according to the severity of the perceived threat as animals gather further information. If the physiological response alone had been assessed, this moderated response may not have been evident, and in terms of wildlife management, vital information would have been lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren L Fardell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mathew S Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chris R Pavey
- CSIRO, Land and Water, PMB 44, Winnellie, Northern Territory, 0822, Australia
| | - Edward J Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Steindler L, Letnic M. Not so naïve: endangered mammal responds to olfactory cues of an introduced predator after less than 150 years of coexistence. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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10
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Konno K, Pullin AS. Assessing the risk of bias in choice of search sources for environmental meta-analyses. Res Synth Methods 2020; 11:698-713. [PMID: 32618107 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Results of meta-analyses are potentially valuable for informing environmental policy and practice decisions. However, selective sampling of primary studies through searches exclusively using widely used bibliographic platform(s) could bias estimates of effect sizes. Such search strategies are common in environmental evidence reviews, and if risk of bias can be detected, this would provide the first empirical evidence that comprehensiveness of searches needs to be improved. We compare the impact of using single and multiple bibliographic platform(s) searches vs more comprehensive searches on estimates of mean effect sizes. We used 137 published meta-analyses, based on multiple source searches, analyzing 9388 studies: 8095 sourced from commercially published articles; and 1293 from grey literature and unpublished data. Single-platform and multiple-platform searches missed studies in 100 and 80 of the meta-analyses, respectively: 52 and 46 meta-analyses provided larger-effect estimates; 32 and 28 meta-analyses provided smaller-effect estimates; eight and four meta-analyses provided opposite direction of estimates; and two each were unable to estimate effects due to missing all studies. Further, we found significant positive log-linear relationships between proportions of studies missed and the deviations of mean effect sizes, suggesting that as the number of studies missed increases, deviation of mean effect size is likely to expand. We also found significant differences in mean effect sizes between indexed and non-indexed studies for 35% of meta-analyses, indicating high risk of bias when the searches were restricted. We conclude that the restricted searches are likely to lead to unrepresentative samples of studies and biased estimates of true effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Konno
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Andrew S Pullin
- Centre for Evidence-based Conservation, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
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11
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Anton A, Geraldi NR, Ricciardi A, Dick JTA. Global determinants of prey naiveté to exotic predators. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192978. [PMID: 32486977 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prey naiveté-the failure of prey to recognize novel predators as threats-is thought to exacerbate the impact that exotic predators exert on prey populations. Prey naiveté varies under the influence of eco-evolutionary mediating factors, such as biogeographic isolation and prey adaptation, although an overall quantification of their influence is lacking. We conducted a global meta-analysis to test the effects of several hypothesized mediating factors on the expression of prey naiveté. Prey were overall naive towards exotic predators in marine and freshwater systems but not in terrestrial systems. Prey naiveté was most pronounced towards exotic predators that did not have native congeneric relatives in the recipient community. Time since introduction was relevant, as prey naiveté declined with the number of generations since introduction; on average, around 200 generations may be required to erode naiveté sufficiently for prey to display antipredator behaviour towards exotic predators. Given that exotic predators are a major cause of extinction, the global predictors and trends of prey naiveté presented here can inform efforts to meet conservation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Anton
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nathan R Geraldi
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Jaimie T A Dick
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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12
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Edwards MC, Hoy JM, FitzGibbon SI, Murray PJ. Relaxed predation theory: size, sex and brains matter. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:153-161. [PMID: 32441454 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Australia's wildlife is being considerably impacted by introduced mammalian predators such as cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is often attributed to native wildlife being naïve to these introduced predators. A systematic review of the literature reveals that native metatherians (body mass range 0.02-25 kg) do not recognise, and show relaxed antipredator behaviours towards, native and some introduced mammalian predators. Native eutherians (all with body mass < 2 kg), however, do appear to recognise and exhibit antipredator behaviours towards both native and introduced predators. Based on our findings, we propose a novel theory, the 'Relaxed Predation Theory'. Our new theory is based on the absence of large mammalian predators leading to reduced predation pressure in Australia during the past 40000-50000 years, and on three key differences between Australian metatherians and eutherians: size, sex, and brains. In light of this Relaxed Predation Theory, we make a number of recommendations for the conservation of Australian wildlife: (i) predator avoidance training of suitable species; (ii) exclusion fencing to exclude some, but not all, predators to facilitate the development of antipredator behaviours; (iii) captive breeding programs to prevent the extinction of some species; and (iv) reintroduction of Australia's larger predators, potentially to compete with and displace introduced predators. A more detailed understanding of the responses of Australian mammals to predators will hopefully contribute to the improved conservation of susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Edwards
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia.,Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, 617 Grandchester Mount-Mort Road, Grandchester, 4340, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia M Hoy
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, 617 Grandchester Mount-Mort Road, Grandchester, 4340, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sean I FitzGibbon
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Murray
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, 4343, Queensland, Australia
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13
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Blumstein DT, Letnic M, Moseby KE. In situ predator conditioning of naive prey prior to reintroduction. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180058. [PMID: 31352887 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many translocations and introductions to recover threatened populations fail because predators kill prey soon after release; a problem exacerbated for predator-naive prey. While pre-release training has been shown to work in some situations, it is time consuming and relies on using inferred predator cues and treating small groups. We review a relatively new and very promising management tool: in situ, pre-release predator conditioning. Here, the goal is to allow prey in large enclosures to live with low densities of predators to accelerate selection for antipredator traits (in an evolutionary sense) or provide prey essential experience with predators that they will later encounter. We review the published results of a large-scale, controlled experiment where we have permitted burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) and greater bilblies (Macrotis lagotis) to live with low densities of feral cats (Felis catus), a species implicated in their widespread decline and localized extinction. We found that both species could persist with cats, suggesting that future work should define coexistence thresholds-which will require knowledge of prey behaviour as well as the structure of the ecological community. Compared to control populations, predator-naive prey exposed to cats has a suite of morphological and behavioural responses that seemingly have increased their antipredator abilities. Results suggest that predator-conditioned bilbies survive better when released into a large enclosure with an established cat population; future work will determine whether this increased survival extends to the wild. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2035, Australia
| | - Katherine E Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2035, Australia.,Arid Recovery Ltd., PO Box 147, Roxby Downs, SA 5725, Australia
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14
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Bytheway JP, Banks PB. Overcoming prey naiveté: Free-living marsupials develop recognition and effective behavioral responses to alien predators in Australia. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2019; 25:1685-1695. [PMID: 30822357 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Naiveté in prey arises from novel ecological mismatches in cue recognition systems and antipredator responses following the arrival of alien predators. The multilevel naiveté framework suggests that animals can progress through levels of naiveté toward predator awareness. Alternatively, native prey may be preadapted to recognize novel predators via common constituents in predator odors or familiar predator archetypes. We tested predictions of these competing hypotheses on the mechanisms driving behavioral responses of native species to alien predators by measuring responses of native free-living northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) to alien red fox (Vulpes vulpes) odor. We compared multiple bandicoot populations either sympatric or allopatric with foxes. Bandicoots sympatric with foxes showed recognition and appropriate antipredator behavior toward fox odor via avoidance. On the few occasions bandicoots did visit, their vigilance significantly increased, and their foraging decreased. In contrast, bandicoots allopatric with foxes showed no recognition of this predator cue. Our results suggest that vulnerable Australian mammals were likely naïve to foxes when they first arrived, which explains why so many native mammals declined soon after fox arrival. Our results also suggest such naiveté can be overcome within a relatively short time frame, driven by experience with predators, thus supporting the multilevel naiveté framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna P Bytheway
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Moseby KE, Letnic M, Blumstein DT, West R. Understanding predator densities for successful co‐existence of alien predators and threatened prey. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Daniel T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Rebecca West
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Banks PB, Carthey AJR, Bytheway JP. Australian native mammals recognize and respond to alien predators: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.0857. [PMID: 30135153 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prey naiveté is a failure to recognize novel predators and thought to cause exaggerated impacts of alien predators on native wildlife. Yet there is equivocal evidence in the literature for native prey naiveté towards aliens. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis of Australian mammal responses to native and alien predators. Australia has the world's worst record of extinction and declines of native mammals, largely owing to two alien predators introduced more than 150 years ago: the feral cat, Felis catus, and European red fox, Vulpes vulpes Analysis of 94 responses to predator cues shows that Australian mammals consistently recognize alien foxes as a predation threat, possibly because of thousands of years of experience with another canid predator, the dingo, Canis lupus dingo We also found recognition responses towards cats; however, in four of the seven studies available, these responses were of risk-taking behaviour rather than antipredator behaviour. Our results suggest that a simple failure to recognize alien predators is not behind the ongoing exaggerated impacts of alien predators in Australia. Instead, our results highlight an urgent need to better understand the appropriateness of antipredator responses in prey towards alien predators in order to understand native prey vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra J R Carthey
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jenna P Bytheway
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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