Drivers of synchronized vigilance in wild boar groups

摘要: There is a growing evidence that members of animal groups synchronize their vigilance behavior to minimize predation risk. Because synchronized deviates from the classical models, which assume independent scanning, it important understand when and why occurs. We explored wild boar (Sus scrofa) in population subject spatial variation human hunting risk seasonal food availability. Group behavior. hypothesized synchronization would be context dependent trade-off between energy gain safety shape relationship degree group size. predicted weaker large under heavy risk, due benefits numerical dilution, stronger limiting, intense competition. The decreased with increasing size area where added another factor natural predation, pointing at synchrony for small role human-induced shaping synchrony. found no relation scarce, winter season. However, low levels its observed indicated was prioritized over safety. Thus, can adjust depending on forage-risk set by ecological context.