Tameness and stress physiology in a predator-naive island species confronted with novel predation threat.

ABSTRACT: Tame behaviour, i.e. low wariness, in terrestrial island species is often attributed to low predation pressure. However, we know little about its physiological control and its flexibility in the face of predator introductions. Marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) on the Galapagos Islands are a good model to study the physiological correlates of low wariness. They have lived virtually without predation for 5-15 Myr until some populations were first confronted with feral cats and dogs some 150 years ago. We tested whether and to what extent marine iguanas can adjust their behaviour and endocrine stress response to novel predation threats. Here, we show that a corticosterone stress response to experimental chasing is absent in naive animals, but is quickly restored with experience. Initia

SUBMITTER: Rodl T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1766385 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature