The quick and the dead: Behavioral plasticity of anti‐predator responses in an Endangered mammal DOI Creative Commons
Natasha D. Harrison, Chloe H. Frick, Adrian F. Wayne

et al.

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 24, 2025

Abstract Populations isolated from predation inside predator‐free havens often exhibit a reduction in anti‐predator traits. The loss of such traits has critical bearing on strategic conservation management, and so it is important to understand the basis trait shift how may be retained or restored. We explored plasticity behaviors an Endangered mammal, woylie ( Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi ) at both individual population level. quantified responses woylies sourced either haven (havened) indigenous wild (non‐havened) before after translocation site with low densities introduced predators, providing first experimental test corresponding survival consequences this species. Initially, havened had weak (lower agitation) compared non‐havened animals. After exposure apparent was lower cohort cohort. Those individuals that did survive, however, stronger end study, approaching level response shown by their counterparts. This within‐individual behavior provides evidence for behavioral particular trait, suggesting some aspects regained following predators flexibility can advantageous. At same time, previously indicates fixed differences other remain likely also contribute survival. discuss implications these findings management.

Language: Английский

Dancing with the devil: Could native predators inside ‘predator‐free’ havens be good for the conservation of threatened native prey species? DOI
Natasha D. Harrison, Ben L. Phillips, Nicola J. Mitchell

et al.

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Abstract As invasive predators continue to drive global biodiversity loss, predator‐free havens are rapidly being established recover threatened fauna. An unintended consequence of these efforts is that havened populations can lose anti‐predator traits, making them poorly suited for reintroduction into landscapes contain predators. One approach showing promise in preventing the loss critical responses from situ predator exposure. Here we evaluate this via experimental translocations determine whether predation pressure a native mesopredator (chuditch; Dasyurus geoffroii ) effective retaining behavioural and morphological traits Endangered woylie ( Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi ). We conducted replicated reintroductions semi‐havened (free but exposed chuditch) non‐havened (control) woylies vacant bushland containing chuditch, feral foxes Vulpes vulpes cats Felis catus monitored survival, reproduction, physiology (faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, fGCM), proxies before 10 months after their release. found no effects source population on weight, pes length, agitation behaviour or fGCM. Survival probability was higher males, individuals with fGCM levels, could not attribute differences survival they originated haven. These findings suggest sustained chuditch inside haven has been maintaining supporting faced novel Synthesis Applications . In exposure be valuable tool preserving populations. However, it will crucial understand thresholds across contexts fauna withstand recommending broad‐scale adoption strategy.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
The quick and the dead: Behavioral plasticity of anti‐predator responses in an Endangered mammal DOI Creative Commons
Natasha D. Harrison, Chloe H. Frick, Adrian F. Wayne

et al.

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 24, 2025

Abstract Populations isolated from predation inside predator‐free havens often exhibit a reduction in anti‐predator traits. The loss of such traits has critical bearing on strategic conservation management, and so it is important to understand the basis trait shift how may be retained or restored. We explored plasticity behaviors an Endangered mammal, woylie ( Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi ) at both individual population level. quantified responses woylies sourced either haven (havened) indigenous wild (non‐havened) before after translocation site with low densities introduced predators, providing first experimental test corresponding survival consequences this species. Initially, havened had weak (lower agitation) compared non‐havened animals. After exposure apparent was lower cohort cohort. Those individuals that did survive, however, stronger end study, approaching level response shown by their counterparts. This within‐individual behavior provides evidence for behavioral particular trait, suggesting some aspects regained following predators flexibility can advantageous. At same time, previously indicates fixed differences other remain likely also contribute survival. discuss implications these findings management.

Language: Английский

Citations

0