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Informed renesting decisions: the effect of nest predation risk
Veli-Matti Pakanen1, Nelli Rönkä, Robert L Thomson
1Department of Biology, University of Oulu, P. O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland, veli-matti.pakanen@oulu.fi.
Oecologia
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Southern dunlin birds adjust renesting based on predation risk, especially when future reproductive success (FRS) is prioritized. They avoid costly renesting attempts when risks are high and seasons are short.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ornithology
Background:
- Animals make breeding decisions based on predicted reproductive success.
- Long-lived species may forgo current reproductive success (CRS) to maximize future reproductive success (FRS).
- Predation risk during breeding can influence decisions about renesting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if southern dunlins (Calidris alpina schinzii) use predation risk cues to inform renesting decisions.
- To test if species with high future reproductive success (FRS) potential are more flexible in response to predation risk.
- To develop a cost-benefit model for renesting decisions influenced by season length and predation risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of breeding data from southern dunlins.
- Assessment of renesting rates in relation to predation risk (direct experience and ambient risk).
- Development of a conceptual model linking breeding season phase, length, and predation risk to renesting behavior.
Main Results:
- Southern dunlins cued on both direct and ambient predation risk information.
- Overall renesting rate was 34.5%, with higher rates early in the season.
- Renesting rates declined as the season progressed, suggesting temporal trade-offs.
Conclusions:
- Southern dunlins adjust renesting behavior based on predation risk, particularly when prioritizing future reproductive success (FRS).
- Species investing in FRS may cease breeding in short seasons under high predation risk.
- Response to predation risk in renesting is influenced by the breeding season's temporal constraints.
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