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Goshawk prey have more bacteria than non-prey.

A P Møller¹, J M Peralta-Sánchez, J T Nielsen

¹Laboratoire d'Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 362, F-91405 Orsay Cedex, France. anders.moller@u-psud.fr

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Summary

Predators preferentially target weakened prey. This study found significantly higher bacterial loads on feathers of birds preyed upon by goshawks, suggesting bacteria increase predation risk.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Microbiology
Zoology

Background:

Predators often target sick or weakened individuals.
Previous research indicates higher parasite loads in prey, but micro-organism levels are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify bacterial and fungal loads on feathers of preyed-upon versus non-preyed-upon birds.
To determine if micro-organism abundance is a factor in predation risk.

Main Methods:

Feathers from woodpigeons, jays, and blackbirds were collected.
Feathers were analyzed for bacterial and fungal abundance.
Samples were from birds preyed upon by goshawks and those that were not.

Main Results:

A nearly three-fold increase in bacterial load was observed on feathers of preyed-upon birds compared to non-preyed-upon birds.
No significant difference in fungal infection levels was found between prey and non-prey.
Results were not affected by feather size, mass, or collection/analysis dates.

Conclusions:

Elevated bacterial loads on feathers may contribute to predation risk in birds.
This finding highlights a previously unrecognized role of bacteria in predator-prey dynamics.
Implications extend to behavioral ecology, population ecology, and community ecology.