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Predator-Prey Interactions

Predator-Prey Interactions

Predators consume prey for energy. Predators that acquire prey and prey that avoid predation both increase their chances of survival and reproduction (i.e., fitness). Routine predator-prey interactions elicit mutual adaptations that improve predator offenses, such as claws, teeth, and speed, as well as prey defenses, including crypsis, aposematism, and mimicry. Thus, predator-prey interactions resemble an evolutionary arms race.

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A Real-Time Interactive System for Studying Confrontational Pursuit Behavior in Rodents

A Real-Time Interactive System for Studying Confrontational Pursuit Behavior in Rodents

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Why hibernate? Predator avoidance in the edible dormouse.

Thomas Ruf¹, Claudia Bieber¹

¹Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria.

Mammal Research

|January 10, 2023

Summary

Hibernation in edible dormice is not primarily driven by cold or lack of food, but to avoid predators like owls. This strategy ensures survival and allows for better territory and mate access upon emergence.

Keywords:

Cold Environment Food Multiday torpor Predation pressure

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Area of Science:

Zoology
Ecology
Animal Behavior

Background:

Hibernation and estivation are commonly believed to be responses to adverse environmental conditions like cold and food scarcity.
The selective advantages of prolonged torpor, including hibernation and estivation, require further investigation.
The edible dormouse (Glis glis) serves as a model species to explore these advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the primary selective advantages of hibernation and estivation in the edible dormouse.
To challenge the prevailing view that hibernation is solely a response to poor environmental conditions.
To explore the role of predator avoidance in the evolution of hibernation.

Main Methods:

Observational study of edible dormice (Glis glis) focusing on hibernation and estivation patterns.
Analysis of environmental conditions, food availability, reproductive success, and body condition in relation to torpor.
Assessment of survival rates during active versus torpid periods.

Main Results:

Edible dormice enter hibernation even in years with favorable conditions and ample food, indicating factors beyond resource scarcity.
Predation, particularly by nocturnal owls, appears to be a significant driver for entering hibernation.
Early emergence from hibernation allows for optimal territory and mate acquisition but increases spring predation risk.

Conclusions:

Hibernation in edible dormice is predominantly a strategy to avoid predation, not just harsh environmental conditions.
The timing of hibernation and emergence is linked to reproductive strategies and balancing predation risk.
Predator avoidance is a key selective pressure favoring the evolution of hibernation across species.