Development of survival skills in captive-raised Siberian polecats (Mustela eversmanni) II: Predator avoidance

Abstract

--We exposed naive Siberain polecats (Mustela eversmanni) (aged 2, 3, and 4 months) to a swooping stuffed great horned owl (Bubo virginianus') and a stuffed badger (Taxidae taxus) mounted on a remote control toy automobile frame. The first introduction to each was harmless, the second was accompanied by a mild aversive stimulus, the third (1 day after attack) was harmless, and the fourth (30 days after attack) was harmless. Alert behavior increased after a single attack by either predator model. Escape responses of naive polecats did not differ between ages when exposed to the badger, but 4 month old polecats reduced their escape times after a single badger attack. When exposed to the swooping owl, naive 4 month old polecats responded more quickly than the other two age groups, and 3 and 4 month old polecats reduced escape times after a single owl attack. This indicates an innate escape response to the owl model at 4 months of age, and a short-term ability to remember a single mild aversive encounter with the badger and owl models at 3 or 4 months of age.Successful anti-predator behavior involves both recognition of a potential predator and the appropriate response performed in an efficient manner. Failure to respond appropriately can quickly lead to death. While some species may retain anti-predator behaviors in the absence of predatory pressures, other species undergo erosion of those traits when selective pressures are showed greater general mobility, covey coordination, predator avoidance skills, and higher survival rates than inexperienced quail (Ellis et al. 1977). Hand-reared turquoise-browed motroots (Eumotota superciliosa) innately avoided model coral snakes (Smith 1975). Naive and experienced ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii and Spermophilus beecheyi) and naive and experienced black-tailed prarie dogs

Predator exposure improves anti‐predator responses in a threatened mammal

“…Bettongs that remain quiet and docile in traps may be exhibiting hiding behaviour, assessing predation risk and reducing the chance of detection. Our interpretation that the trend for increased docility in cat‐exposed bettongs could be an anti‐predator response is supported by studies showing that Siberian polecats ( Mustella eversmanni ) increased their hiding time after exposure to a model predator paired with an aversive stimulus (Miller et al., ) and Masked Bobwhites ( Colinus virginianus ) learnt to hide when exposed to dogs ( Canis familiaris ) (Ellis, Dobrott, & Goodwin, ).…”

“…Practitioners have attempted to improve the anti‐predator responses of naïve prey through training which involves simulations intended to prompt predator recognition and anti‐predator behaviour (Azevedo & Young, ; Griffin, Blumstein, & Evans, ; McLean, Lundie‐Jenkins, & Jarman, ; Miller et al., ; Moseby, Cameron, & Crisp, ). Trialled training approaches include exposing prey to pictures/models, scents or calls of predators which are paired with an unpleasant experience such as flung elastic bands, water pistols, alarm calls and simulated attacks (Maloney & McLean, ; Moseby et al., ).…”

Harnessing natural selection to tackle the problem of prey naïveté

“…Such prerelease predator training can modify prey behavior (Miller et al. ; Hölzer et al. ; Maloney and McLean ; McLean et al.…”

Moving to suburbia: ontogenetic and evolutionary consequences of life on predator‐free islands

“…In this review I will focus on how antipredator behaviour changes when species find themselves isolated from the predators with which they evolved. This process may happen on islands (Kavaliers, 1990), but it also happens with captive animals (Miller et al ., 1990; Beck et al ., 1994). In both cases, individuals often find themselves suddenly in suburbia – where the grass is green and the hazards of inner‐city life are relaxed.…”