Antipredatory behaviour of Clethrionomys voles―David and Goliath' arms race

摘要: The evolution of antipredatory behaviour in animals requires unsuccessful hunting by predators. Voles are relatively slowly moving rodents with little possibility to escape predators direct confrontation. Therefore their should be based on advanced recognition risk, an adaptive 'cleverness' called the 'David and Goliath' arms race. In case mammalian predators, odours form basis this recognition. Studies Clethrionomys glareolus C. rutilus under pre dation manipulated laboratory outdoor enclosures, observed field Fennoscandia Poland reviewed. especially small mustelids immediately elicited short-term changes voles, spatial vertical distribution, diurnal activity, mobility, intraspecific aggressiveness. presence odour also affected reproduc tive parameters voles: sexual maturation young voles was delayed female breeding suppressed. consequences suppression may severe. advantage delay is discussed terms predictability environment. Northern Central Europe most pronounced 'Goliaths' were not largest but smallest (weasel stoat), highly specialized voles.