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Behavioral plasticity shapes population aging patterns in a long-lived avian scavenger
Marta Acácio1, Kaija Gahm2, Nili Anglister1
1School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
Behavioral aging in griffon vultures shows increased site fidelity with age, driven by behavioral plasticity, not selective disappearance. Mature vultures gain a competitive edge through predictable movements.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and behavioral ecology
- Animal behavior and movement ecology
- Conservation biology
Background:
- Understanding behavioral aging is crucial for population dynamics, especially in long-lived species.
- Longitudinal studies on within-individual behavioral changes in wild, long-lived animals are limited.
- Behavioral plasticity and selective disappearance are key factors shaping age-related behavioral patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in movement and social behaviors in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus).
- To differentiate the roles of behavioral plasticity and selective disappearance in shaping these age-related patterns.
- To understand how behavioral aging impacts social interactions and competitive advantages.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 15-year GPS-tracking dataset of 142 griffon vultures.
- Analyzed movement patterns (site fidelity, movement predictability) and social interactions over up to 12 years.
- Disentangled individual behavioral changes (plasticity) from survival biases (selective disappearance).
Main Results:
- Observed a nonlinear increase in site fidelity with age: sharp rise before maturity, stabilization in adulthood, and increase in old age.
- Demonstrated that these patterns result from behavioral plasticity, not selective disappearance.
- Found mature vultures exhibit more predictable movements and increased use of popular roosting sites, suggesting a competitive advantage.
- Documented decreased social interactions among older individuals, particularly during the breeding season.
Conclusions:
- Griffon vultures exhibit diverse behavioral aging patterns, with behavioral plasticity playing a significant role.
- Mature individuals gain advantages through refined movement strategies and site use.
- Longitudinal data are essential for understanding how behavioral plasticity and selection influence population persistence amidst environmental change.
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