Conditioned taste aversion in the grey fox (Pseudalopex griseus), in Southern Argentine Patagonia

摘要: Abstract Attempts to control cougar (Puma concolor) and culpeo fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus) populations in Patagonia through poisoning, negatively affects grey foxes griseus) many other non-target species. It is therefore advisable develop selective predator methods. Among a wide range of potential methods, are those based on manipulating the behaviour Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) develops when an animal associates with subsequent illness, and, after recovery, avoids referent taste. Food aversions can be potentially useful efforts reduce losses species lethal baits distributed predators. We evaluated two ways add agent Levamisole hydrochloride bait generate CTA foxes. established one (without Levamisole) treatments: plain ion-exchange resin complex (resinate: Amberlite® IRP-64) aiming mask Levamisole. Foxes that ate baits, fewer than (26.7% vs. 83.3% untreated P = 0.002) even was no longer present (40.0% 86.6% treatment respectively, P = 0.007). resinate also (50.0% P = 0.043) but then resumed consumption contained (73.3% P = 0.329). Thus, failed detect acquired bait. Contrary our expectations, detected resinate, associated illness it so eating as soon withdrawn. Additionally, control, where were familiar “safe” we repeated test latent inhibition (decrement conditioning stimulus result its prior exposure). found treated did not decrease before, during similar number days (76.6% P = 0.631), suggesting prevented development within experimental time period. induced among consume might spare them from being poisoned attempts