Exposure to a novel predator induces visual predator recognition by naïve prey

The ‘life-dinner principle’ posits that there is greater selection pressure on the species that have more to lose in an interaction. Thus, based on the asymmetry within predator-prey interactions there is an advantage for prey to learn quickly, especially in response to novel, introduced predators.  Here we test the ‘learned recognition’ hypothesis that posits that naïve prey species’ ability to recognize and respond to introduced predators can be induced through experience. We quantified the behavioural response of initially predator naïve burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) that had been living in the presence (for 8 - 15 months) and absence of an introduced predator (feral cats—Felis catus) to models of cats, a herbivore (rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)), novel object (plastic bucket) and no object (control). We expected that if bettongs recognized cats as a threat they would be more wary in the presence of cat models than either rabbit models, buckets or the control. Bettongs livi...