This seminar will be in person in room 1005 Forbes Natural History Building, 1816 S. Oak, Champaign and virtually via Zoom URL: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/87448577307?pwd=MWZhVFJwdVlkcUtUTmhXSW5oMU0xUT09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 874 4857 7307 | Password: 834583
Predation prompts the evolution of antipredator traits, molds behavior, and can lead to the evolution of parental care. We investigated parental care and predator-avoidance behavior of neonates in the social lizard Liolaemus leopardinus. We used clay models to quantify bird predation pressure on the species. Predation was significantly greater on small models and models in open habitat. We discovered that late-term pregnant females left their social groups on rock outcrops and gave birth in solitary underneath flat rocks in vegetated microhabitat. Mothers stayed with their litters inside natal chambers and when they left, sealed the neonates inside. Mothers remained close to their natal chamber and neonates when neonates emerged. We suggest that maternal behavior and secretive behavior of neonates may be related to the heavy avian predation on neonates.
