Lutar, esconder ou correr: como Tamandua tetradactyla (Mammalia) em cativeiro responde a pistas indiretas de um predador?

Abstract

In the natural environment, animals are exposed to a wide number of threats to survival. Considering the ecology of fear is important to estimate the ecosystem role that predators play in animal communities, since fear of a predator can cause not only density-based responses (e.g., removal of individuals from a population), but also behavioural responses, which can result in cascading effects. Defensive behaviours are relatively simple to assess in captivity, since they are conspicuous and specific, and also difficult to be confused with other behaviours when observed. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the ability of individuals of Tamandua tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) in captivity to detect indirect clues of a natural predator. In this study, we exposed six individuals of lesser anteaters (T. tetradactyla) in captivity, to indirect clues (e.g., urine and feces) of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). In total, we observed five males and one lesser anteater female by the focal animal method, in a total effort of 36 hours of observation. Lesser anteaters located in enclosures with indirect predator tracks exhibited a higher frequency of anti-predatory behaviours and a decrease in inactivity behaviours. The use of indirect clues is advantageous for lesser anteater’s individuals, as they allow the risk assessment of a particular spot in the environment and elicits avoidance behaviours, which are less costly in energy. We also present the percentage of behaviours of T. tetradactyla with and without the indirect clues of the predator that can be useful to understand the ability of lesser anteaters to respond to situations of danger.