Predation risk in relation to brain size in alternative prey of pygmy owls varies depending on the abundance of main prey.

ABSTRACT: Large brains in prey may select for adoption of anti-predator behavior that facilitates escape. Prey species with relatively large brains have been shown to be less likely to fall prey to predators. This results in the prediction that individuals that have been captured by predators on average should have smaller brains than sympatric conspecifics. We exploited the fact that Eurasian pygmy owls Glaucidium passerinum hoard small mammals and birds in cavities and nest-boxes for over-winter survival, allowing for comparison of the phenotype of prey with that of live conspecifics. In Northern Europe, main prey of pygmy owls are voles of the genera Myodes and Microtus, while forest birds and shrews are the most important alternative prey. Large fluctuations (amplitude 100-200-fold) in vole popu

SUBMITTER: Moller AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7485837 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature