Prey field switching based on preferential behaviour can induce Lévy flights

Mathieu Lundy, Alan Harrison, Daniel J. Buckley, Emma Boston, David Scott, Emma C. Teeling, Ian Montgomery, Jonathan Houghton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Using the foraging movements of an insectivorous bat, Myotis mystacinus, we describe temporal switching of foraging behaviour in response to resource availability. These observations conform to predictions of optimized search under the Lévy flight paradigm. However, we suggest that this occurs as a result of a preference behaviour and knowledge of resource distribution. Preferential behaviour and knowledge of a familiar area generate distinct movement patterns as resource availability changes on short temporal scales. The behavioural response of predators to changes in prey fields can elicit different functional responses, which are considered to be central in the development of stable predator-prey communities. Recognizing how the foraging movements of an animal relate to environmental conditions also elucidates the evolution of optimized search and the prevalence of discrete strategies in natural systems. Applying techniques that use changes in the frequency distribution of movements facilitates exploration of the processes that underpin behavioural changes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number20120489
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the Royal Society Interface
Volume10
Issue number78
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 06 Jan 2013

Bibliographical note

Copyright 2012 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Levy flight
  • functional responses
  • bats
  • areoecology
  • SEARCH PATTERNS
  • WANDERING ALBATROSSES
  • FORAGING STRATEGY
  • BATS
  • ANIMALS
  • PREDATORS
  • INSECTS
  • WALK
  • ENVIRONMENT
  • ORGANISMS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Prey field switching based on preferential behaviour can induce Lévy flights'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this