RT Journal Article
T1 Grouping behaviour and anti-predator responses in the helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris.
A1 Van Niekerk, Johann H.
A1 Forcina, Giovanni
A1 Megia Palma, Rodrigo Manuel
AB Little is known about landbird group dynamics in response to predation. Here, we describe the interactions between the Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and its predators regarding the survival advantages grouping behaviour may provide. Livestream webcam observations were conducted in Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa) from August 2020 to August 2021. Emphasis was placed on predator–prey interaction and its effect on group size and structure in a spatial framework. We hypothesise that while grouping is crucial for a number of daily activities in this highly social species, it might turn into a higher predatory pressure. We found, indeed, that the probability of attacks by black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas) significantly increased with guineafowl group size, unlike what happened with raptors. Moreover, when attacked by jackals, the birds responded by standing close to each other. These results suggest, in line with the proposed hypothesis, that a trade-off occurs between the defensive function of grouping in this galliform and the probability of jackal attack that increases as a function of prey group size. Nevertheless, we argue that Helmeted Guineafowl cooperative social groups also play a role as a defensive strategy against predators, with the many-eyes and dilution effects likely compensating for the higher predatory pressure.
PB MDPI
SN 2673-6004
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/113949
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/113949
LA eng
NO van Niekerk, J. H., Forcina, G., & Megía-Palma, R. (2024). Grouping Behaviour and Anti-Predator Responses in the Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris. Birds, 5(4), 685-702. https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5040047
NO This research was partly funded by a research grant from the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa. Partial support was provided by the Spanish Government, Ministry of Universities (“María Zambrano”—Next Generation EU) to G.F. No funds were received to cover publication costs. Thirstland Environmental Services funded the research equipment.
NO University of South Africa
NO Ministerio de Universidades (España)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 17 abr 2025