Predator–prey naïveté, antipredator behavior, and the ecology of predator invasions

Authors

Andrew Sih, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, DavisFollow
Daniel I. Bolnick, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
Barney Luttberg, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
John L. Orrock, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
Scott D. Peacor, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
Lauren M. Pintor, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
Evan Preisser, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis
Jennifer H. Rehage, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, DavisFollow
James R. Vonesh, Deptartment of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis

Abstract

We present a framework for explaining variation in predator invasion success and predator impacts on native prey that integrates information about predator–prey naïveté, predator and prey behavioral responses to each other, consumptive and non-consumptive effects of predators on prey, and interacting effects of multiple species interactions. We begin with the ‘naïve prey’ hypothesis that posits that naïve, native prey that lack evolutionary history with non-native predators suffer heavy predation because they exhibit ineffective antipredator responses to novel predators. Not all naïve prey, however, show ineffective antipredator responses to novel predators. To explain variation in prey response to novel predators, we focus on the interaction between prey use of general versus specific cues and responses, and the functional similarity of non-native and native predators. Effective antipredator responses reduce predation rates (reduce consumptive effects of predators, CEs), but often also carry costs that result in non-consumptive effects (NCEs) of predators. We contrast expected CEs versus NCEs for non-native versus native predators, and discuss how differences in the relative magnitudes of CEs and NCEs might influence invasion dynamics. Going beyond the effects of naïve prey, we discuss how the ‘naïve prey’, ‘enemy release’ and ‘evolution of increased competitive ability’ (EICA) hypotheses are inter-related, and how the importance of all three might be mediated by prey and predator naïveté. These ideas hinge on the notion that non-native predators enjoy a ‘novelty advantage’ associated with the naïveté of native prey and top predators. However, non-native predators could instead suffer from a novelty disadvantage because they are also naïve to their new prey and potential predators. We hypothesize that patterns of community similarity and evolution might explain the variation in novelty advantage that can underlie variation in invasion outcomes. Finally, we discuss management implications of our framework, including suggestions for managing invasive predators, predator reintroductions and biological control.

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program under Cooperative Agreements #DBI-0620409 and #DEB-9910514. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Sih, A., D.I. Bolnick, B. Luttbeg, J.L. Orrock, S.D. Peacor, L.M. Pintor, E. Preisser, J.S. Rehage, J.R. Vonesh. 2010. Predator-prey naivete', antipredator behavior, and the ecology of predator invasions. Oikos 119(4): 610-621.