1
|
Labra A, Zapata A. Response of the weeping lizard to distress calls: the effect of witnessing predation. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:953-961. [PMID: 36681753 PMCID: PMC10066144 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01743-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Escaping from predation saves life, but costs energy and time. The "threat-sensitive predator-avoidance" hypothesis proposes that prey may modulate their antipredator responses, and thus the associated costs, in accordance with the magnitude of predation risk. This process requires that prey accurately assess this risk by decoding available information from various sources. For example, distress calls are uttered by prey when a predator traps them and can serve as public information on predation risk. Such is the case for the weeping lizard whose distress calls trigger immobility in conspecifics. Here, we tested whether this antipredator response of the weeping lizard is modulated by witnessing predation. We exposed lizards to distress calls alone or paired with models of a prey (conspecific), a predator (snake), or a predatory event (a snake subjugating the conspecific). Data show that the sole presence of the predator or prey paired with distress calls seems not to modulate the antipredator responses. Contrarily, witnessing a predatory event associated with calls intensified antipredator responses; lizards reduced their activity for longer and avoided proximity to the stimuli, which may decrease predation risk by reducing the likelihood of being detected by the predator. We conclude that the weeping lizard can use multisensorial public information to assess predation risk and modulate its antipredator responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta Labra
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. .,NGO Vida Nativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Febrer-Serra M, Lassnig N, Colomar V, Picó G, Tejada S, Sureda A, Pinya S. Oxidative stress and behavioral responses of moorish geckos (Tarentola mauritanica) submitted to the presence of an introduced potential predator (Hemorrhois hippocrepis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158864. [PMID: 36169021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Stressful situations induce an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to molecular damage and alteration of cell function. The introduction of new potential predators induces physiological stress in native fauna. However, behavioral responses have been reported in preys, demonstrating an induction of the defenses against alien species. Behavioral and antioxidant enzyme responses in the moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, against the invasive predator horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) were assessed. Behavior was recorded and a tissue sample from the tail was collected after placing the gecko in a terrarium with previous absence or presence of the snake in 'Control' and 'H. hippocrepis' groups, respectively. Fifteen behavioral variables were examined, including tongue flick (TF) and locomotion patterns. Antioxidant enzyme activities -catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR)-, and the levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH/GSSG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were measured in the tissue sampled. Geckos exposed to the snake's odor showed a higher number of TF, longer amounts of time remaining motionless or moving in slow motion and they spent less time on the ground in comparison to the 'Control' group. The presence of the snake produced a significant increase in the activities of CAT, SOD and GR and a decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio in T. mauritanica individuals exposed to the snake's scent. Thus, both behavioral responses and oxidative stress biomarkers clearly showed that T. mauritanica is able to recognize H. hippocrepis as a potential predator, despite being a recently introduced snake at the Balearic Islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Febrer-Serra
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Nil Lassnig
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Víctor Colomar
- Consortium for the Recovery of Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB), Government of the Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Gabriela Picó
- Consortium for the Recovery of Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB), Government of the Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Silvia Tejada
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa, km 7.5, Ed. Guillem Colom, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa, km 7.5, Ed. Guillem Colom, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, Department of Fundamental Biology and Health Sciences, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa, km 7.5, Ed. Guillem Colom, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain; Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Samuel Pinya
- Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ruiz-Monachesi MR, Abdala CS, Cruz FB. Allometry and morphological integration shape the chemical detection system in Liolaemus lizards (Squamata, Iguania). ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
4
|
Predictive Factors of Chemical and Visual Sensory Organ Size: The Roles of Sex, Environment, and Evolution. Evol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-021-09554-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
5
|
Ruiz-Monachesi MR, Valdecantos S, Lobo F, Cruz FB, Labra A. Retreat Sites Shared by Two Liolaemus Lizard Species: Exploring the Potential Role of Scents. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-18-00051.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario R. Ruiz-Monachesi
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Soledad Valdecantos
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Fernando Lobo
- Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del Noroeste Argentino-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Félix B. Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Antonieta Labra
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ruiz–Monachesi MR, Cruz FB, Valdecantos S, Labra A. Unravelling associations among chemosensory system components in
Liolaemus
lizards. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. R. Ruiz–Monachesi
- CONICET‐ Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del NOA (IBIGEO) Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Salta Rosario de Lerma Argentina
| | - F. B. Cruz
- INIBIOMA (CONICET – UNCOMA) Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche Universidad Nacional del Comahue (CRUB)‐Bariloche Río Negro Argentina
| | - S. Valdecantos
- CONICET‐ Instituto de Bio y Geo Ciencias del NOA (IBIGEO) Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Salta Rosario de Lerma Argentina
| | - A. Labra
- Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis Department of Biosciences University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- ONG Vida Nativa Santiago Chile
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Does Liolaemus lemniscatus eavesdrop on the distress calls of the sympatric weeping lizard? J ETHOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-020-00666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFor a prey, its best ticket to stay alive is to get early and accurate information on predation risk and so, escape from predation at low cost. Some prey species have evolved the ability to eavesdrop signals intended for others, which contain information on predation risk. This is the case for the vocalizations produced by prey species when interacting with predators. Although primarily studied in birds and mammals, eavesdropping on vocal signals has been recorded in some lizard species. Here, we explored whether the lizard Liolaemus lemniscatus eavesdrops on the distress calls of its sympatric species, the Weeping lizard (L. chiliensis). Individuals of the Weeping lizard respond to these calls by displaying antipredator behaviours (i.e., reduced movement), and individuals of L. lemniscatus may potentially display similar defences if they decode the information contained in these calls. Our playback experiments showed that individuals of L. lemniscatus responded to the sound stimuli (distress calls and white noise), reducing their activity, but they did not discriminate between these two stimuli, suggesting that L. lemniscatus does not eavesdrop on the distress calls of its sympatric lizard species. We discuss some hypotheses to explain the lack of eavesdropping by L. lemniscatus on the Weeping lizard distress calls.
Collapse
|
8
|
Response behaviour of native lizards and invading wall lizard to interspecific scent: implications for invasion success. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
9
|
Ruiz-Monachesi MR, Labra A. Complex distress calls sound frightening: the case of the weeping lizard. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
10
|
Humphreys RK, Ruxton GD. The dicey dinner dilemma: Asymmetry in predator-prey risk-taking, a broadly applicable alternative to the life-dinner principle. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:377-383. [PMID: 31919916 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Forty years ago, the 'life-dinner principle' was proposed as an example of an asymmetry that may lead prey species to experience stronger selection than their predators, thus accounting for the high frequency with which prey escape alive from interaction with a predator. This principle remains an influential concept in the scientific literature, despite several works suggesting that the concept relies on many under-appreciated assumptions and does not apply as generally as was initially proposed. Here, we present a novel model describing a very different asymmetry to that proposed in the life-dinner principle, but one that could apply broadly. We argue that asymmetries between the relative costs and benefits to predators and prey of selecting a risky behaviour during an extended predator-prey encounter could lead to an enhanced likelihood of escape for the prey. Any resulting advantage to prey depends upon there being a behaviour or choice that introduces some inherent danger to both predator and prey if they adopt it, but which if the prey adopts the predator must match in order to have a chance of successful predation. We suggest that the circumstances indicated by our model could apply broadly across diverse taxa, including both risky spatial or behavioural choices.
Collapse
|
11
|
Constanzo-Chávez J, Penna M, Labra A. Comparing the antipredator behaviour of two sympatric, but not syntopic, Liolaemus lizards. Behav Processes 2018; 148:34-40. [PMID: 29330087 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The microhabitat preferences of prey animals can modulate how they perceive predation risk, and therefore, their antipredator behaviour. We tested under standardized conditions how microhabitat preferences of two Liolaemus lizards affected their responses when confronted with two types of ambush predators (raptor vs. snake), under two levels of predation risk (low vs. high). These lizard species are sympatric, but not syntopic; L. chiliensis basks on bushes, a complex microhabitat that may provide protection against visual predators, while L. nitidus prefers open microhabitats, basking on the top of large bare rocks, highly exposed to visual predators. If microhabitat complexity modulates the antipredator response, L. chiliensis may perceive lower predation risk, exhibiting lower intensity of antipredator responses than L. nitidus. Both species reduced their activity after being exposed to both predators, but lizards differed in the assessment of predation risk; L. nitidus reduced its activity independently of the predation risk experienced, while L. chiliensis only reduced its activity in the high-risk condition. The microhabitat preferences shaped during the evolution of these species seem to modulate their perception of predation risk, which may cause interspecific differences in the associated costs of their antipredator responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Penna
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Antonieta Labra
- Organización No Gubernamental, ONG Vida Nativa, Chile; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ortega Z, Mencía A, Pérez-Mellado V. Antipredatory behaviour of a mountain lizard towards the chemical cues of its predatory snakes. BEHAVIOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The ability to early detect a potential predator is essential for survival. The potential of Iberolacerta cyreni lizards to discriminate between chemical cues of their two predatory snakes Coronella austriaca (a non-venomous active-hunter saurophagous specialist) and Vipera latastei (a venomous sit-and-wait generalist) was evaluated herein. A third snake species, Natrix maura, which does not prey on lizards, was used as a pungent control. Thus, the behaviour of I. cyreni was studied regarding four treatments: (1) C. austriaca scent, (2) V. latastei scent, (3) N. maura scent and (4) odourless control. Lizards showed antipredator behaviour (such as slow-motion and tail waving) to C. austriaca and V. latastei chemicals. The antipredatory response was similar for both predators. This ability to react with an intensive behavioural pattern to the chemical cues of their predatory snakes may prevent lizards from being detected, and, if detected, dissuade the predator from beginning a pursuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Ortega
- aDepartment of Animal Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Spain
- bLaboratório de Ecologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Abraham Mencía
- aDepartment of Animal Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Spain
- cLaboratório de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Valentín Pérez-Mellado
- aDepartment of Animal Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Valdecantos S, Labra A. Testing the functionality of precloacal secretions from both sexes in the South American lizard, Liolaemus chiliensis. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-00003106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The behavior of lizards can be highly influenced by chemical senses. The most studied pheromonal sources in lizards has been the femoral and precloacal gland secretions, although studies have been focused on male secretions, probably because these glands are usually only present in males or are poorly developed in females when they are present. Here, we aimed to study inLiolaemuschiliensis, one of the fewLiolaemusspecies in which females have precloacal glands, if female precloacal secretions convey information. We recorded the response of both sexes to secretions from females and males, as well as to control (solvent). The lizards started to explore the secretions sooner than the control. Both sexes moved more when exposed to female secretions than to the control, and males, but not females, explored female secretions more than the other scents. These results suggest that volatile compounds of the secretions allow lizards to recognize the presence of conspecifics, and, at least for males, these trigger the exploration of non-volatile compounds of the secretions that may reveal the sex of the individual that deposited them. This is the first study that explores the response to female precloacal secretions inLiolaemus, and data indicate that the female secretions ofL. chiliensiscontain relevant information for social interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Valdecantos
- Instituto de Biología y Geología del Noroeste Argentino (IBIGEO, Universidad Nacional de Salta-CONICET), Cátedra de Anatomía Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, 9 de Julio 14, 4405 Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina
| | - Antonieta Labra
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PB 1066, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Labra A, Reyes-Olivares C, Weymann M. Asymmetric Response to Heterotypic Distress Calls in the LizardLiolaemus chiliensis. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta Labra
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Chile; Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago Chile
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); Department of Bioscience; University of Oslo; P.O.Box 1066 Blinder, N-0316, Oslo Norway
| | - Claudio Reyes-Olivares
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Chile; Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago Chile
| | - Michael Weymann
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad de Chile; Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago Chile
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Landová E, Musilová V, Polák J, Sedláčková K, Frynta D. Antipredatory reaction of the leopard gecko Eublepharis macularius to snake predators. Curr Zool 2016; 62:439-450. [PMID: 29491933 PMCID: PMC5804257 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ability to recognize a risk of predation and react with adaptive antipredatory behavior can enhance fitness, but has some costs as well. Animals can either specifically react on the most dangerous predators (threat-sensitive avoidance) or they have safe but costly general wariness avoiding all potential predators. The level of threat may depend on the predator's foraging ecology and distribution with the prey with sympatric and specialist species being the most dangerous. We used 2 choice trials to investigate antipredatory behavior of captive born and wild-caught leopard geckos confronted with different snake predators from 2 families (Colubridae, Boidae) varying in foraging ecology and sympatric/allopatric distribution with the geckos. Predator-naïve subadult individuals have general wariness, explore both chemically and visually, and perform antipredatory postures toward a majority of snake predators regardless of their sympatry/allopatry or food specialization. The most exaggerated antipredatory postures in both subadult and adult geckos were toward 2 sympatric snake species, the spotted whip snake Hemorrhois ravergieri, an active forager, and the red sand boa Eryx johnii, a subterranean snake with a sit-and-wait strategy. In contrast, also subterranean but allopatric the Kenyan sand boa Eryx colubrinus did not elicit any antipredatory reaction. We conclude that the leopard gecko possesses an innate general antipredatory reaction to different species of snake predators, while a specific reaction to 2 particular sympatric species can be observed. Moreover, adult wild caught geckos show lower reactivity compared with the captive born ones, presumably due to an experience of a real predation event that can hardly be simulated under laboratory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Landová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic and.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Musilová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic and
| | - Jakub Polák
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Sedláčková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic and.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|