Exposure to predators in controlled settings help prey species adapt when reintroduced to the wild

Prey Naïveté is lack of experience or awareness that prey species have towards predators, especially when prey have been isolated from predators for a long time. For threatened species, it is considered one of major hurdles to successful reintroduction through conservation initiatives.

In the study conducted at the Arid Recovery Reserve in South Australia, researchers explored whether exposure to predators, specifically feral cats, could reduce prey naïveté in burrowing bettongs, a small nocturnal marsupial. The bettongs were reintroduced into predator-free paddocks and then gradually exposed to controlled levels of predation by feral cats over several years.

The study was co-authored by UCLA professor Daniel Blumstein, an expert in marmot behavior, and published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.

Key Findings:

• Increased Vigilance: Bettongs exposed to cats showed more vigilant behavior compared to those in predator-free environments. They were quicker to detect and respond to potential threats.
• Behavioral Adaptations: The bettongs adapted their foraging and movement patterns in response to predator cues, such as the presence of predator scents or taxidermy models of cats. They avoided areas with these cues, indicating a learned wariness.
• Changes in Social Behavior: Exposure to predators also influenced the social behavior of bettongs. Those in predator-exposed environments were more cautious and less likely to share burrows, which could reduce the risk of being targeted by predators.

The findings suggest that controlled exposure to predators can help reintroduced prey species develop anti-predator behaviors, which may increase their survival rates in the wild. This approach could be crucial for conservation efforts, especially in regions where native species have been isolated from predators for extended periods.

This study highlights the importance of “re-wilding” efforts that don’t just focus on reintroducing species but also prepare them for the challenges of living alongside predators, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem.

For more, read the full article.

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Photo by Daniela Parra/Wikimedia Commons.