IADIZA   20886
INSTITUTO ARGENTINO DE INVESTIGACIONES DE LAS ZONAS ARIDAS
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
artículos
Título:
Influence of predation risk and plant structure on vigilance and intermittent locomotion in Microcavia australis (Rodentia, Caviidae).
Autor/es:
TARABORELLI P1; P. MORENO1; A. SRUR3; M. F. CARBALLIDO4 AND S. M. GIANNONI2
Revista:
ACTA ETHOLOGICA
Editorial:
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
Referencias:
Año: 2010 vol. 14 p. 27 - 33
ISSN:
0873-9749
Resumen:
The aim of this study was to analyze and compare vigilance behavior and
intermittent locomotion at two sites (El Leoncito and Ñacuñán, Argentina) that
differ in predation risk, plant structure and plant resource availability.
Subjects were lesser cavies (Microcavia australis), a social species
that is semi-fossorial, diurnal and native to South America. Continuous focal
sampling was conducted during the day, at times of food shortage, food
abundance and reproduction, from 2003 to 2005. The proportion of time spent
vigilant was significantly higher at Ñacuñán, where vigilance peaked at midday
and reached a minimum in the evening. This midday peak of vigilance at Ñacuñán
was associated with a midday peak of danger from raptors as indicated by a
raptor activity peak at that time. In contrast, both vigilance and predator
activity at El Leoncito were constant through the day. Records of intermittent
locomotion and number and duration of pauses in locomotion were significantly
higher at El Leoncito, a difference that may have been due to the need for
greater vigilance while moving across areas of less protective cover at this
site.