duck OR dive

Predator-avoidance tactics

- ROB LITTLE

A basic principle of predator–prey relationships is that the prey species needs to be acutely aware of the danger of predation and to evolve finely tuned avoidance or escape mechanisms relevant to a specific predator species. The so-called pecking order among species often reflects which is the predator and which is the prey. This is well illustrated in gamebirds, which are the favoured prey of larger raptors.

While investigating the behavioural ecology and management of Greywinged Francolins on the Stormberg Plateau in the Eastern Cape, I was interested to find out how Grey-wings react when the danger of raptor predation is imminent. To put this to the test, I invited a group of experienced falconers to bring their birds and fly them after Greywings. The birds of prey in the group were a mix of well-trained adult Lanner and Peregrine falcons (long-winged raptors) and a couple of Black Sparrowhawks (a short-winged raptor).