Among-individual differences in foraging modulate resource exploitation under perceived predation risk.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Animal Behavior
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Foraging involves balancing resource benefits against predation risks.
• Optimal foraging theory predicts foraging strategies but doesn't fully explain behavioral variation.
• Understanding how risk influences foraging is crucial for ecological dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if foraging behavior and resource exploitation adjust to risk levels.
• To determine if risk affects different foraging components (feeding vs. traveling).
• To investigate individual consistency in foraging behavior and resource use under risk.

Main Methods:

• Quantified foraging behavior and resource exploitation in 21 common voles (Microtus arvalis).
• Used artificial landscapes with manipulated ground cover to create varying perceived risks during feeding and traveling.
• Assessed responses to different risk levels and locations (in-patch vs. between-patch).

Main Results:

• Foraging behavior varied and adjusted to risk level and type.
• High risk during feeding reduced feeding duration and consumption more than travel risk.
• Individual voles showed consistent differences in foraging timing, duration, and risk exposure, linked to resource exploitation patterns.

Conclusions:

• Foraging behavior is dynamically adjusted to perceived risk, with distinct effects of feeding vs. traveling risk.
• Consistent inter-individual differences ('foraging personalities') influence foraging strategies and resource exploitation.
• Integrating individual variation into optimal foraging theory is essential for a comprehensive understanding of foraging ecology.