Meeting Abstract

SICB+    The effects of predator presence on nesting behavior and survival in the brown anole (Anolis sagrei) Pruett, JE*; Warner, DA; University of Colorado Boulder; Auburn University Jenna.Pruett@colorado.edu https://jepruett.weebly.com/

Behavior plays a critical and complex role in evolution, yet few experimental studies examine how natural selection acts on behavior in natural populations. The strength of selection on different types of behaviors can vary considerably since some behaviors impact fitness more than others. Anti-predator behaviors, for example, have direct consequences on survival and therefore have tremendous impact on individual fitness. Moreover, any other types of behaviors that leave individuals vulnerable to predation should also be under strong selection. Nesting behavior in oviparous taxa exemplifies this, as it often requires exploration and exposure to predators. In this study, we tested the effects of predation pressure on survival and nesting behavior in a well-studied predator-prey relationship between two lizard species – the arboreal brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) and its native ground-dwelling predator, the curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus). To do this, we housed brown anole lizards in enclosures with predators and without predators (predator-free) and gave them a choice of nesting sites that were on the ground or in arboreal habitat. During a two-week period before any predators were introduced to the enclosures, anoles showed a strong preference for ground nesting habitat. Once predators were added to the enclosures, individuals in the predator treatment showed a preference for the arboreal nesting habitat. However, preference for the arboreal nesting habitat also increased over time for individuals in the predator-free treatment, but at a slower rate than those in the predator treatment. Individuals in the predator-free treatment had higher survival and displayed lower perching height. This study highlights how predators can shape the way their prey use habitat during critical reproductive events.