Repeatable differences in exploratory behaviour predict tick infestation probability in wild great tits

Abstract

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of various vertebrate hosts, including many species of bird. Birds can disperse ticks over short and long distances, therefore impacting tick population dynamics. The likelihood that birds attract ticks should depend on their behaviour and the environment. We studied various key ecological variables (breeding density, human disturbance) and phenotypic traits (exploratory behaviour; body condition) proposed to predict tick burden in great tits (Parus major). Our study spanned over three years and 12 human-recreated plots, equipped with nest-boxes in southern Germany. Adult breeders were assessed for exploratory behaviour, tick burden, and body condition. For each plot, human disturbance was quantified as a human recreational pressure index during biweekly nest box inspections by scoring the number of recreants using the plots. Infestation probability but not tick burden increased with exploratory behaviour. We also found moderate support for a positive effect of recreational pressure on infestation probability. Further, body condition negatively predicted tick burden. Individuals were repeatable in tick burden across years. Our study implies that infestation probability and tick burden are governed by distinct ecological and phenotypic drivers. Our findings also highlight the importance of incorporating ecological and individual variation in host phenotypes to predict spatiotemporal distributions of ticks in nature.

Heterogeneous selection on exploration behavior within and among West European populations of a passerine bird

“…This may explain why we also found strong evidence for population-specific (i.e., macroscale) temporal variation in selection (population × year effects). Other factors may also play a key role here, for example, predator-or parasite-induced selection varying more among years in populations with high versus low overall levels of these biological factors (32)(33)(34)(35). Our finding of plot-specific (i.e., microscale) Previous studies revealed a key role of social environmental variation by demonstrating that selection on exploration behavior (18,28) and aggression (22) varies with breeding density within populations.…”

Context-dependent host dispersal and habitat fragmentation determine heterogeneity in infected tick burdens: an agent-based modelling study

“…testosterone level) [13] and behavioural (e.g. foraging style) [14] traits, and host-extrinsic factors that are associated with environmental (e.g. vegetation cover and type) and climatic (e.g.…”