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<p>Correlational selection refers to the process by which selection for one trait influences the evolution of others, leading to multivariate trait combinations that enhance fitness. Predation has been shown to drive such changes, and in some instances lead to covariation between species behavioural and morphological traits. The eastern grey squirrel <i>(Sciurus carolinensis</i>) is the prey of several mammalian and avian predators, which has likely contributed to the evolution of multiple coat colors. Morphs with a melanistic (i.e., dark-coloured) coat face an increased predation risk, despite its thermoregulatory benefits. If correlation selection has occurred in this species, we hypothesize that melanistic morphs will show increased antipredator behaviour to offset this greater predation risk. To test this expectation we quantified flight initiation distances (FIDs)—a measure of antipredator behavior based on the distance at which animals flee from an approaching threat—to assess the predator escape responses of grey and black morphs in both urban parks and rural forested environments. We predicted that melanistic squirrels would exhibit greater FIDs in both environments, with a larger difference in morph-specific antipredator behaviour across rural forested park areas. Our findings showed no significant differences in FIDs between grey and black morphs. Increased predator avoidance was more strongly dictated by differences in behaviour associated with urban vs. rural environments. This study extends our understanding of microevolutionary forces on wildlife in human dominated landscapes.</p>

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Predation risk and decision-making of grey squirrels in urban and rural forested parks

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月7日

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  • Mark Givelas,
  • Adam R. Martin,
  • Rudy Boonstra

摘要

Correlational selection refers to the process by which selection for one trait influences the evolution of others, leading to multivariate trait combinations that enhance fitness. Predation has been shown to drive such changes, and in some instances lead to covariation between species behavioural and morphological traits. The eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the prey of several mammalian and avian predators, which has likely contributed to the evolution of multiple coat colors. Morphs with a melanistic (i.e., dark-coloured) coat face an increased predation risk, despite its thermoregulatory benefits. If correlation selection has occurred in this species, we hypothesize that melanistic morphs will show increased antipredator behaviour to offset this greater predation risk. To test this expectation we quantified flight initiation distances (FIDs)—a measure of antipredator behavior based on the distance at which animals flee from an approaching threat—to assess the predator escape responses of grey and black morphs in both urban parks and rural forested environments. We predicted that melanistic squirrels would exhibit greater FIDs in both environments, with a larger difference in morph-specific antipredator behaviour across rural forested park areas. Our findings showed no significant differences in FIDs between grey and black morphs. Increased predator avoidance was more strongly dictated by differences in behaviour associated with urban vs. rural environments. This study extends our understanding of microevolutionary forces on wildlife in human dominated landscapes.