Relaxed predation theory: size, sex and brains matter
Article
Article Title | Relaxed predation theory: size, sex and brains matter |
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ERA Journal ID | 2056 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Edwards, Megan C. (Author), Hoy, Julia M. (Author), FitzGibbon, Sean I. (Author) and Murray, Peter J. (Author) |
Journal Title | Biological Reviews |
Journal Citation | 96 (1), pp. 153-161 |
Number of Pages | 9 |
Year | 2021 |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 1464-7931 |
1469-185X | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12611 |
Web Address (URL) | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.12611 |
Abstract | Australia's wildlife is being considerably impacted by introduced mammalian predators such as cats (Felis catus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is often attributed to native wildlife being naive to these introduced predators. A systematic review of the literature reveals that native metatherians (body mass range 0.02–25 kg) do not recognise, and show relaxed antipredator behaviours towards, native and some introduced mammalian predators. Native eutherians (all with body mass < 2 kg), however, do appear to recognise and exhibit antipredator behaviours towards both native and introduced predators. Based on our findings, we propose a novel theory, the ‘Relaxed Predation Theory’. Our new theory is based on the absence of large mammalian predators leading to reduced predation pressure in Australia during the past 40000–50000 years, and on three key differences between Australian metatherians and eutherians: size, sex, and brains. In light of this Relaxed Predation Theory, we make a number of recommendations for the conservation of Australian wildlife: (i) predator avoidance training of suitable species; (ii) exclusion fencing to exclude some, but not all, predators to facilitate the development of antipredator behaviours; (iii) captive breeding programs to prevent the extinction of some species; and (iv) reintroduction of Australia's larger predators, potentially to compete with and displace introduced predators. A more detailed understanding of the responses of Australian mammals to predators will hopefully contribute to the improved conservation of susceptible species. |
Keywords | naivety, predator recognition, conservation, prey naivety, introduced predators, predation, predation pressure, marsupial |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 310301. Behavioural ecology |
310403. Biological adaptation | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
Byline Affiliations | University of Queensland |
University of Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q63vw/relaxed-predation-theory-size-sex-and-brains-matter
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