Abstract
BackgroundThe ability of a prey species to assess the risk that a predator poses can have important fitness advantages for the prey species. To better understand predator–prey interactions, more species need to be observed to determine how prey behavioral responses differ in intensity when approached by different types of predators. The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is preyed upon by all predators occurring in its distribution area. Therefore, it is an ideal species to study anti-predator behavior. In this study, we investigated the intensity of anti-predator behavior of pikas in response to visual cues by using four predator species models in Maqu County on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.ResultsThe behavioral response metrics, such as Flight Initiation Distance (FID), the hiding time and the percentage of vigilance were significantly different when exposed to a Tibetan fox, a wolf, a Saker falcon and a large-billed crow, respectively. Pikas showed a stronger response to Saker falcons compared to any of the other predators.ConclusionsOur results showed that pikas alter their behavioral (such as FID, the hiding time and the vigilance) response intensity to optimally balance the benefits when exposed to different taxidermy predator species models. We conclude that pikas are able to assess their actual risk of predation and show a threat-sensitive behavioral response.
Highlights
The ability of a prey species to assess the risk that a predator poses can have important fitness advantages for the prey species
A mixed linear model analysis showed that species models (SM) (F = 7.492, p = 0.001) and group size (GS) (F = 34.864, p < 0.001) had significant effects for Flight Initiation Distance (FID), while P (F = 0.058, p = 0.944) and EO (F = 0.907, p = 0.533) had not, and the interaction effects between SM and GS was significant (F = 6.187, p = 0.002)
For the hiding time in the refuge, Kruskal–Wallis tests showed a significant difference across different predator species model treatments (p < 0.05)
Summary
The ability of a prey species to assess the risk that a predator poses can have important fitness advantages for the prey species. Antipredator behavioral responses to predation risks include a reduction in foraging activity [9, 10], increased vigilance [11, 12], reduced movement [13], reduced use of conspicuous behavioral displays [14], increased hiding time in a refuge or shelter [14, 15], and increased alarm calls [16, 17]. These behavioral strategies have associated costs, as they can provoke a reduction in factors such as energy intake, energetic
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