A different kind of ecological modelling: the use of clay model organisms to explore predator–prey interactions in vertebrates

Bateman, Philip W.; Fleming, Patricia A.; Wolfe, Ashleigh K.

doi:10.1111/jzo.12415

Cited by 85 publications

(95 citation statements)

References 103 publications

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“…We suggest that control models are always be included in clay model predation studies to avoid Type 1 errors and to provide greater insight into predator behaviour (Bateman et al . ; Mason et al . ,b,c).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ashes to ashes: Intense fires extinguish populations of urban short‐range endemics

et al. 2018

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Native bushland fragmented by urbanization often experiences increased cover of flammable weeds, reduced biomass turnover and an absence of fuel management combined with increased ignitions. Depending on species' mobility and dispersal traits, and the extent of burns within urban remnants, such fires may reduce individual survival rates or limit natural recolonization. We monitored the survival of mygalomorph spiders for a year following high-intensity and low-intensity fires in Banksia woodland remnants in urban Perth. Of the 257 burrows found, 115 spiders were confirmed to initially survive after intense wildfire, but none were confirmed alive after 12 months. In sharp contrast, only one spider from 103 observed burrows was confirmed dead after a low-intensity prescribed fire. As there were instances of our monitored mygalomorphs relocating a short distance following only low intensity fires, we also tested whether predation rates were higher in burnt than unburnt areas. Higher rates of predation were found in burnt areas, but this was strongly influenced by both site and predator type. We recommend further consideration of low-intensity prescribed fire as well as alternative fuel management approaches in urban remnants to better conserve mygalomorph spider populations and other taxa with limited dispersal and/or mobility capabilities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ashes to ashes: Intense fires extinguish populations of urban short‐range endemics

et al. 2018

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“…Physical models of focal organisms are commonly used to study predator-prey interactions. These studies have traditionally relied on models constructed from clay (plasticine) or silicone and have been useful for understanding factors contributing to predation risk [27]. Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated use of more realistic and standardization of models for studying the ecology of numerous species [28,29].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of Factors Affecting Predation Risk for Juvenile Turtles Using 3D Printed Models

Tetzlaff

Estrada

DeGregorio

et al. 2020

Animals

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Simple Summary: Turtles are one of the most threatened vertebrate groups. High rates of juvenile predation may contribute to population declines for many species, but predator identities and factors contributing to predation risk for juveniles are largely unknown due to their highly secretive nature. Alternatives to studying live juveniles are needed. By monitoring three-dimensional printed models resembling juvenile box turtles (Terrapene carolina) with motion-triggered cameras in the Midwestern USA, we found raccoons (Procyon lotor) were the dominant predator that interacted with models, followed by rodents (Sciuridae). Mesopredator interactions with models were less likely in habitats with higher vegetative ground cover. However, availability of sensory cues (visual or olfactory) provided by models did not influence mesopredator interactions, suggesting they used multiple senses to detect models. Rodents interacted with models that were closer to woody structure, likely because they commonly utilize such small-scale habitat features. Rodents interacted with exposed models more than concealed models, reflecting their predominantly visual foraging behavior. Overall, our results suggest juvenile turtle habitat selection could affect predator-specific predation risk but behavioral differences between particular predators are also important determinants of risk. These findings have implications for management efforts aimed at reducing encounters between juvenile turtles and their major predators.Abstract: Although it is widely accepted that juvenile turtles experience high levels of predation, such events are rarely observed, providing limited evidence regarding predator identities and how juvenile habitat selection and availability of sensory cues to predators affects predation risk. We placed three-dimensional printed models resembling juvenile box turtles (Terrapene carolina) across habitats commonly utilized by the species at three sites within their geographical range and monitored models with motion-triggered cameras. To explore how the presence or absence of visual and olfactory cues affected predator interactions with models, we employed a factorial design where models were either exposed or concealed and either did or did not have juvenile box turtle scent applied on them. Predators interacted with 18% of models during field trials. Nearly all interactions were by mesopredators (57%) and rodents (37%). Mesopredators were more likely to attack models than rodents; most (76%) attacks occurred by raccoons (Procyon lotor). Interactions by mesopredators were more likely to occur in wetlands than edges, and greater in edges than grasslands. Mesopredators were less likely to interact with models as surrounding vegetation height increased. Rodents were more likely to interact with models that were closer to woody structure and interacted with exposed models more than concealed ones, but model exposure had no effect on interactions by mesopredators. Scent treatment appeared to have no influence on interactions by e...

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“…Similarly, Koh (2008) used exclusions to show how birds (associated to natural habitat) protected oil palms from herbivores. Other authors have used plasticine models (commonly used to compare attack rates across gradients) to comparatively approach levels of avian insectivory on pests (reviewed in Bateman, Fleming, & Wolfe, 2017). This method have proven useful to explore the effects of agricultural management and landscape heterogeneity on overall pest control (Rusch, Delbac, Thiéry, & Thi Ery, 2017), avian pest control in vineyards (Barbaro et al, 2017) or even to find global latitudinal/altitudinal patterns on predation rates (Roslin et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Landscape drivers and effectiveness of pest control by insectivorous birds in a landscape-dominant woody crop

Martínez‐Núñez

Rey

Manzaneda

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Avian-mediated pest control is a significant ecosystem service with important economic implications. However, there is an overall paucity of experimental information about how landscape simplification affect its current level. Information on pest control by birds is missing in some permanent agroecosystems of worldwide importance, like olive orchards, that dominate vast areas in the Mediterranean region.We assess the effectiveness of insectivorous birds for controlling the two main pest insects in olive orchards and explore the effects of landscape complexity and distance to semi-natural patches on avian insectivore abundance and pest control. For this, we combine bird surveys with field experiments (branch exclusions and pest plasticine models) at the regional scale.Landscape heterogeneity increased the abundance and richness of insectivorous birds, which were also more abundant and diverse in semi-natural patches, compared to the farm olive matrix. Experiments evidenced that pest control by birds (measured as attack rates to plasticine models and pest damage) in the studied olive orchards is negligible, while pests were overall abundant and pest damage was high on most farms. This raises alarms about the status of avian pest control in this agroecosystem.Although landscape heterogeneity increased the abundance/richness of insectivorous birds, and favored some forest species, insectivorous bird abundance seems diluted in relation to prey availability in all landscapes. Thus, pest control by birds seems currently unsuccessful in olive orchards. Our results might be evidencing the loss of an ecosystem service due to a generalized massive decline of common and forest insectivorous birds.Key messageOlive orchards dominate extensive areas causing important landscape simplification.Insectivorous birds are more abundant in semi-natural patches within olive farms.Field experiments show a low impact of birds on olive pests and damage.Avian-mediated pest biocontrol seems diluted by limited suitable habitat for birds.Agri-environmental measures should focus on increasing landscape complexity.

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A different kind of ecological modelling: the use of clay model organisms to explore predator–prey interactions in vertebrates

Cited by 85 publications

References 103 publications

Ashes to ashes: Intense fires extinguish populations of urban short‐range endemics

Ashes to ashes: Intense fires extinguish populations of urban short‐range endemics

Identification of Factors Affecting Predation Risk for Juvenile Turtles Using 3D Printed Models

Landscape drivers and effectiveness of pest control by insectivorous birds in a landscape-dominant woody crop

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