Site-specific fears: Negev gerbils from same points of origin share anti-predator behavior when translocated to new environments

Jorge F.S. Menezes, Inbal Tiano, Burt P. Kotler, Cinnamon M. Dixon, Austin K. Dixon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract: Animals frequently engage in anti-predator behaviour, but the intensity and choice of behaviour is likely dependent on the environment. We used a common-garden experiment to test whether Allenby’s gerbils (Gerbillus andersoni allenbyi) from different sites in the Negev Desert show different responses to the same level of risk. We tested whether animals from less covered (more risky) environments cope with predation risk better by foraging longer and faster in open microhabitats. To do so, we captured individuals from three areas that differ in vegetation cover and then quantified food consumption and apprehension in a standard outdoor vivarium (an enclosure). This vivarium simulated a natural environment, with natural moonlight, artificial cover, and two live owls. Animals from less vegetated environments consumed more food but foraged slower and with more apprehension. We also found that some populations prefer to forage more in the first quarter of the lunar cycle than the third, and others prefer the opposite, despite these moon phases having equal luminosity. That suggests an evolutionary coordination game might be at play. Our results show anti-predator behaviour is diverse among populations and similar within, which may hint the existence of different ecotypes if further differences are found. Significance statement: In this study, we analysed whether anti-predator behaviour is consistent within populations, and different among them. We found that gerbils have different anti-predator behaviour depending on their site of origin, and that difference continues even when placed in a common environment. Animals from environments poor in cover foraged slowly and more carefully but did so for a longer time. Interestingly, we also found that when animals from different locations are placed in the same environment together, the average behaviour of this mixed group is similar to the most cautious of the mix.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104
JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Volume78
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Acclimation
  • Adaptation
  • Anti-predator behaviour
  • Foraging
  • Giving-up density

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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