Keystone Individuals - Linking Predator Traits to Community Ecology

LaBarge, Laura R; Krofel, Miha; Allen, Maximilian L.; Hill, Russell; Welch, Andreanna J.; Allan, Andrew T L

Abstract

Individual behavioral plasticity enables animals to adjust to different scenarios. Yet, personality traits limit this flexibility, leading to consistent inter-individual differences in behavior. These individual behavioral traits have the potential to govern community interactions, although testing this is difficult in complex natural systems. For large predators who often exert strong effects on ecosystem functioning, this behavioral diversity may be especially important and lead to individualized ecosystem roles. We present a framework for quantifying individual behavioral plasticity and personality traits of large wild predators, revealing the extent to which certain natural behaviors are governed by these latent traits. The outcomes will reveal how the innate characteristics of wildlife can scale up to affect community interactions.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Jul 10, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 12, 2024
• Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
• Print ISSN: 0169-5347
• Electronic ISSN: 1872-8383
• Publisher: Cell Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2525948
• Publisher URL: https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/home