Meeting Abstract
Predator evasion strategies are essential for understanding the coevolution between predator and prey, and the pressures that drive the diversity in morphology and behavior. The unique morphology and performance of kangaroo rats give them the ability to leap out of the path of a striking predator with incredible agility and power. When attacked by a rattlesnake, they use their disproportionately large hind limbs to create a powerful, extremely rapid jump accompanied by acrobatic twists that carry them out of the strike trajectory. We first examined the behavioral and biomechanical aspects underlying the evasive maneuvers of desert kangaroo rats (Dipodomys deserti) in response to simulated strikes (using a cannon apparatus) to further elucidate the evasive abilities of kangaroo rats. We compared the responses of vigilant and non-vigilant kangaroo rats to determine if and how behavioral states can modify performance. We found that vigilant kangaroo rats outperformed non-vigilant kangaroo rats across all examined variables. This research also suggests that the performance of desert kangaroo rats is even exceptional in comparison to other animals preyed upon by snakes, such as ground squirrels. Second, we used high speed cameras to capture the evasions of desert kangaroo rats to natural sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus certastes) strikes in the field. This compliments the simulated snake trials by allowing us to understand the complex maneuvers that occur under natural conditions. We compared the evasive maneuvers that resulted in successful evasions (N=18) to those that resulted in a successful snake strike (N=14). This integrative and multidimensional examination of predator evasion strategies in nature will propel our understanding of predator-prey dynamics.
