Cues from introduced fish alter shelter use and feeding behaviour in adult alpine newts

in Ethology (2013), 119(2), 121-129

Amphibians are particularly affected by alien fish introductions and are declining worldwide. However, the behavioural mechanisms behind the observed cases of coexistence and exclusion patterns between ... [more ▼]

Amphibians are particularly affected by alien fish introductions and are declining worldwide. However, the behavioural mechanisms behind the observed cases of coexistence and exclusion patterns between adult amphibians and fish are poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed at testing the hypothesis that adult newts display different feeding and space use behaviour in the presence of fish cues (i.e. access less food resources and use more shelters than when fish cues are absent). To achieve this we measured behavioural patterns in 100 adult Alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris) in a replicated laboratory design (20 tanks × 7 replicates across time). Half of trials involved individuals in indirect (visual and olfactory) contact with goldfish (Carassius auratus), a non-predatory species for adult newts. In the presence of fish, significantly more newts hid under shelters than in their absence, but this difference decreased over time. A lower number of newts fed in comparison with controls. These results show that newts responded to fish presence even in the absence of direct contact, but the differences were small. Newts decreased vital activities such as exploration of open areas and feeding. They also adjusted shelter use over time, suggesting a process of habituation or a risk assessment in the absence of direct risk. These results reveal that exploring behavioural patterns can aid in understanding the causes of exclusion and coexistence patterns between fish and amphibians. [less ▲]

The use of visual and automatized behavioral markers to assess methodologies: a study case on PIT-tagging in the Alpine newt

in Behavior Research Methods (2011), 43(2), 568-576

Biomarkers are now widely used as tools in various research fields to assess individual integrity. The recent advances in quantification methods of behavioral patterns, such as computerized video-tracking ... [more ▼]

Biomarkers are now widely used as tools in various research fields to assess individual integrity. The recent advances in quantification methods of behavioral patterns, such as computerized video-tracking procedures, make them valuable biomarkers. However, the corollary of these novelties is that they remain relatively unknown and unused. In this study, we show that such tools can assess the validity of research methods, such as individual recognition. To demonstrate this we employed as a model a marking method (Passive Integrate Transponders: PIT-tagging) widely used in amphibians. Both detailed visual observations and video-tracking methods were complementary in highlighting components at different behavioral scales: locomotion, feeding, and breeding. We illustrate the scientific and ethical adequacy of the targeted marking method but also suggest that more studies should integrate behavioral analyses. Such biomarkers are a powerful tool to assess conservation concerns when other techniques cannot detect detrimental effects. [less ▲]

Behavioural effect of a marking technique (pit-tagging) in Alpine newts

Poster (2010)