Chemical compounds of a Neotropical plant constrain the anti-predator behaviour of sympatric tadpoles

• Published in: Journal of ethology Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 195 - 200
• Main Authors: Ganci, Carolina C., dos Santos, Henrique T., Ferreira, Vanda L., Ortega, Zaida
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Springer Japan 01.05.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Animal Ecology; Anti-predator behavior; Aquatic organisms; Behavioral Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Chemical communication; Chemical compounds; Chemical stimuli; Evolutionary Biology; Juveniles; Life Sciences; Predation; Prey; Sympatric populations; Zoology; Chemical interference; Animal-plant interaction; Garlic plant; Predator–prey interactions; Behavioural response
• ISSN: 0289-0771; 1439-5444
• DOI: 10.1007/s10164-023-00785-2

The capacity to identify predator chemical cues is extremely advantageous as it allows prey to avoid the predation sequence from the beginning. However, for aquatic organisms, identification can be constrained by the presence of other substances, such as plant chemical compounds. Despite its ecological implications, there is a lack of knowledge on the potential chemical interference of sympatric plants to the surrounding aquatic fauna. In this context, our study aims to understand the consequences that chemical interference can entail in the anti-predator responses of tadpoles of the Cope's toad ( Rhinella diptycha ). We conducted an outdoor experiment, where we compared the anti-predator responses of R. diptycha tadpoles to a natural predator (giant water bug) with and without adding chemicals of a potentially toxic native plant ( Microlobius foetidus ) to the water. Tadpoles showed an increase in grouping behaviour and a reduction in activity in the predator treatment. Moreover, our results indicate that the chemical compounds of the sympatric plant modified tadpole behavioural responses, disrupting grouping behaviour while maintaining reduced activity. These findings help understand the complexity of chemical communication in aquatic habitats and the consequences on animal-plant interactions and conservation.