Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A015
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, A015 (2023)
Reactions of lesser white-toothed shrews (Crocidura suaveolens) to the risk from terrestrial and aerial predators
Bogna Malinowska1*, Leszek Rychlik1
1 Department of Systematic Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
* Corresponding author: bogmal@amu.edu.pl
Abstract
During the study as laboratory experiments, the response of the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens) to potential threats from various predators was tested. Several hypotheses were verified, including those assuming that (H1) in the face of a predation threat, C. suaveolens would experience an increase in predator avoidance responses and exhibit anti-predator behaviour appropriate to the predator’s hunting strategies (H2). This study consisted of 3 experiments, where six or five lesser white-toothed shrews were kept in a large terrarium in individual boxes while manipulating the presence of a predator. During Experiment 1, the threat of a predator was simulated by playing the territorial voice of a tawny owl (Strix aluco), the control manipulation was the voices of a wood pigeon (Columba palumbus). In Experiment 2, the threat of a predator was simulated by placing a portion of the feces of a domestic cat (Felis catus) and the control manipulation was the feces of a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus). In the final experiment 3, the presence of a predator was simulated by administering a portion of Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) feces and again the feces of a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus) was used as a control manipulation. In all three tests, the animals’ behaviour was video-recorded non-stop with a camera suspended above the terrarium. Analysis of the videos showed that in response to the close presence of the owl, the lesser white-toothed shrews spent more time hidden in the nest, but were alert (remained active), while in the control phase they mainly rested (slept) in the nest. In response to the threat of a C. suavelens cat, they spent less time eating and drinking. In response to the presence of the weasel, the test individuals spent more time nervously running in and out of the nest and attempting to escape from the box (climbing the box wall, jumping up, digging in the ground). This suggests that, as a result of the threat, the lesser white-toothed shrews exhibited adaptive behaviours to the hunting behaviour of the selected predators. In addition, it was also examined how individuals with different presences react to a threat from an aerial or terrestrial predator. The analysis of the behavior of C. suaveolens showed some differences in the behaviour of individuals between those that were classified as ,,shy” after personality tests and those that were defined as ,,brave”.
How to cite
B. Malinowska, L. Rychlik, 2023. Reactions of lesser white-toothed shrews (Crocidura suaveolens) to the risk from terrestrial and aerial predators. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A015