Intraindividual variability of boldness is repeatable across contexts in a wild lizard

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Animal Behavior
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Animals exhibit unpredictable behavioral variation even under controlled conditions, termed intraindividual variability (IIV).
• IIV in animal behavior remains understudied, particularly its seasonal and individual differences.
• Understanding IIV is crucial for a comprehensive view of animal personality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate seasonal changes in intraindividual variability (IIV) of boldness in wild rock agamas (Agama planiceps).
• To explore the relationship between consistent individual differences in boldness and their IIV.
• To assess the repeatability of IIV across seasons.

Main Methods:

• Estimating boldness using flight initiation distances in a wild population of Agama planiceps.
• Comparing IIV in boldness between the dry (non-breeding) and wet (breeding) seasons.
• Analyzing repeatability of IIV and its correlation with average boldness levels.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in IIV were observed between individual rock agamas and across seasons.
• Intraindividual variability in boldness was higher during the wet, breeding season, indicating seasonal plasticity.
• IIV was highly repeatable between seasons (r=0.61) and negatively correlated with consistent boldness levels.

Conclusions:

• Animal personality profiles should incorporate not only average trait levels but also plasticity and variability.
• Seasonal plasticity in IIV suggests adaptive behavioral responses in rock agamas.
• Future research should consider IIV for a more complete understanding of animal personality and behavior.