(Press-News.org) Contact information: Kayla Graham
onepress@plos.org
415-568-4532
Public Library of Science
Crittercam captures crocodilian foraging behaviors (videos)
Video footage reveals novel insights into alligator's cryptic foraging behaviors
Animal-borne camera reveals that alligators may attempt to capture prey most often at night, even though the calculated probability of catching prey is highest in the morning, according to a study published in PLOS ONE on January 15, 2014 by James Nifong from the University of Florida and colleagues from other institutions.
Observing the behaviors of dangerous and cryptic predators like alligators is no easy task, so scientists used animal-borne cameras to monitor alligators capturing prey and their other activities. A total of fifteen adult alligators from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Guana River in coastal Florida were equipped with Crittercam. Afterward, scientists retrieved the video data to determine the frequency and successes rates of alligator foraging behaviors throughout the day.
The video footage revealed that time of day significantly affected the frequency of attacks on prey, as well as the probability of capturing prey. Alligators most often attempted to capture prey during the night, but the researchers' calculated probability of successful capture was highest in the morning and sequentially lower during day, evening, and night, respectively. Position in the water—submerged versus at the surface—also significantly affected prey-capture success, with two-fold greater capture rate when submerged while attacking prey. These estimates are the first for the wild adult American alligator and may provide rare insight into crocodilian foraging behaviors.
INFORMATION:
Quote: "Using Crittercam we gain insight into the behavior and ecological interactions of an important top-predator, the American alligator, in coastal estuaries. We discovered that alligators forage at all times of the day, but increasingly during the night and evening hours, however they were most successful in the morning and while attacking prey below the surface."
Citation: Nifong JC, Nifong RL, Silliman BR, Lowers RH, Guillette LJ Jr, et al. (2014) Animal-Borne Imaging Reveals Novel Insights into the Foraging Behaviors and Diel Activity of a Large-Bodied Apex Predator, the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). PLoS ONE 9(1): e83953. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083953
Financial Disclosure: This research was conducted under an award from the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Award No. NA10NOS4200022. This work was supported in-part by the University of Florida Foundation Inc. Alligator Research Fund (016501) (Donors: Delecker Family), University of Florida Singer Biology Fund, and the National Science Foundation, OCE-1030822 (Award No. 10021501). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing Interest Statement: The authors have declared no competing interests. The affiliation of Russell H. Lowers with Inomedic Health Applications does not alter the authors' adherence to all PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.
PLEASE LINK TO THE SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT (URL goes live after the embargo ends): http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083953
Crittercam captures crocodilian foraging behaviors (videos)
Video footage reveals novel insights into alligator's cryptic foraging behaviors
2014-01-16
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Using progesterone for hot flashes shown safe for women's cardiovascular health
2014-01-16
Using progesterone for hot flashes shown safe for women's cardiovascular health
Treatment with progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone that has been shown to alleviate severe hot flashes and night sweats in post-menopausal women, poses little ...
Breakthrough announced in treatment of patient with rare type of leukemia
2014-01-16
Breakthrough announced in treatment of patient with rare type of leukemia
University of Leicester researchers deploy 'precision medicine' to successfully target advanced form of leukaemia with skin cancer drug
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester ...
A deeper look at interfaces
2014-01-16
A deeper look at interfaces
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source develop new technique for probing subsurface electronic structure
"The interface is the device," Nobel laureate Herbert Kroemer famously observed, referring to the remarkable ...
Trees grow faster and store more carbon as they age
2014-01-16
Trees grow faster and store more carbon as they age
Trees put on weight faster and faster as they grow older, according to a new study in the journal Nature. The finding that most trees' growth accelerates as they age suggests that large, old trees may ...
2 diabetes studies in Jan. 2014 Health Affairs
2014-01-16
2 diabetes studies in Jan. 2014 Health Affairs
Jan. articles examine the toll of diabetes, both in the US and abroad
Poorer Americans: depleted food budgets can mean higher risk of hypoglycemia.
For generations, economists have noted that low-income households spend much ...
Researchers discover that coevolution between humans and bacteria reduces gastric cancer risk
2014-01-16
Researchers discover that coevolution between humans and bacteria reduces gastric cancer risk
Research carried out in two distinct communities in Colombia illustrates how coevolution between humans and bacteria can affect a person’s risk ...
New analysis shows fewer years of life lost to cancer
2014-01-16
New analysis shows fewer years of life lost to cancer
Dartmouth researchers say US has underestimated its progress in war on cancer
(Lebanon, NH, 1/15/14) - Since the enactment of the National Cancer Act in 1971, the U.S. has spent hundreds ...
Ray of hope for magazines in digital era
2014-01-16
Ray of hope for magazines in digital era
Targeted audiences and websites can help magazines weather the onslaught of online competition
There is a ray of hope for magazines that do it right.
While print media continue to suffer at the hands of their online counterparts, ...
Resisting the flu
2014-01-16
Resisting the flu
New avenues for influenza control suggested by identification of an enzyme that plays a crucial role in resistance to the infection
McGill researchers, led by Dr. Maya Saleh of the Department of Medicine, have identified an enzyme, cIAP2 that helps the ...
Next-gen reappraisal of interactions within a cancer-associated protein complex
2014-01-16
Next-gen reappraisal of interactions within a cancer-associated protein complex
Application of global sequencing technology reveals how an activator of gene expression stays focused
KANSAS CITY, MO- At a glance, DNA is a rather simple sequence of A, ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Scientists discover a new crystal that breathes oxygen
Robust isolated quantum spins established on a magnetic substrate
Omega-3’s could protect women against Alzheimer’s
Building a better database to detect designer drugs
Breast tumors tunnel into fat cells to fuel up. Can we stop them?
Study finds heart health declining in older adults with certain cardiovascular diseases
Earth System Models project the start of the Amazon dieback within the 21st century
New graphene technology matures brain organoids faster, may unlock neurodegenerative insights
High-frequency molecular vibrations initiate electron movement
Fat cells under false command
How mutations in bodily tissues affect ageing
Industry managed forests more likely to fuel megafires
AI model developed by Dresden research team simultaneously detects multiple genetic colorectal cancer markers in tissue samples
Foster care timing may affect children’s school performance
Does red meat alter gut bacteria to aggravate inflammatory bowel disease?
Does LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion impact a company’s environmental performance?
Should additional food allergens have mandatory labelling due to anaphylaxis risk?
Will climate change promote the spread of Dengue fever through Western Europe?
Sleep problems in early teens associated with future self-harm
Supergiant star’s gigantic bubble surprises scientists
Most known species evolved during 'explosions’ of diversity, shows first analysis across ‘tree of life’
World Mosquito Day 2025: Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases: ECDC supporting Member States in adapting to ‘new normal’
Study finds coastal wetlands generate $90 million annually for Virginia communities
Study uncovers biological clues about daytime sleepiness
Study links teen vaping to increased risk of smoking and health issues
Youth vaping consistently linked to subsequent smoking, marijuana and alcohol use
Diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help ward off short sightedness in children
For apes, out of sight isn’t out of mind
Mysterious fickle hill earthquake in Northern California may have unexpected source
Boys can help break taboo around periods
[Press-News.org] Crittercam captures crocodilian foraging behaviors (videos)Video footage reveals novel insights into alligator's cryptic foraging behaviors