Rapid loss of antipredatory behaviour in captive-bred birds is linked to current avian invasions.

ABSTRACT: Despite the importance of behaviour in conservation biology, there have been few studies that address behaviour in areas such as invasion ecology. There is an urgent need to identify specific traits that facilitate the establishment and spread of alien species to prevent biological invasions and their impact on biodiversity. Changes in antipredatory behaviour in captivity have been proposed to explain the higher invasiveness of wild-caught exotic species. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by assessing the response of wild-caught and captive-bred cage birds facing an approaching predator and their ability to escape from human capture, using species available in the Spanish pet market. Results showed the loss of antipredatory responses and escape abilities in captive-bred birds compar

SUBMITTER: Carrete M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4678868 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature