ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8234-7646
Current Organisation
Murdoch University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-07-2019
DOI: 10.1002/RSE2.88
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-01-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ACV.12847
Abstract: Escaping from predators is fundamental for the survival of any prey species. Australian fauna within the ‘critical weight range’ (CWR 35 g–5.5 kg) are vulnerable to introduced eutherian predators. The absence of co‐evolution between native marsupials and these novel predators may suggest that their antipredator behaviour towards the hunting strategies of these predators is inappropriate or ineffective. We quantified the escape behaviour of eight CWR marsupial taxa (three quadrupedal bandicoots and five bipedal macropods) to determine if differences in how they escape from predators indicate their ability to respond appropriately and effectively to introduced predators. Animals were filmed escaping through a runway and 20 measures relating to their gait, speed and path characteristics were recorded. These were reduced to four dimensions using multidimensional scaling (MDS): MDS1 linear speed versus agility, MDS2 acceleration style, MDS3 reactivity and MDS4 gait characteristics. We found a strong link between the phylogenetic relatedness of species and their use of linear speed or agility when fleeing (phylogenetic heritability, h 2 = 0.96). Bipedal macropod species used straight‐line, fast escapes, which may be suited to escape pursuit predators. The quadrupedal bandicoots had an overall slower escape but were more likely to use sudden changes of direction, which can be successful if pursued by a larger, less mobile predator or where there is sufficient vegetation cover to obstruct pursuit. Repeated exposure increased linear speed (MDS1) and hastened the timing of acceleration (MDS2). The phylogenetic signal for escape speed/straightness suggests specific escape tactics may be constrained by morphology, although animals increased the intensity of their response after repeated exposure, suggesting training could enhance effective antipredator responses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12598
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/WR19079
No related grants have been discovered for Natasha E Tay.