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In the wild, even the predators are afraid

In the wild, even the predators are afraid

They kill thousands of young kiwi each year but new research shows that in the ‘hierarchy of fear’ that rules among predators in New Zealand’s forests, even the savage stoat has plenty to be afraid of.
They kill thousands of young kiwi each year but new research shows that in the ‘hierarchy of fear’ that rules among predators in New Zealand’s forests, even the savage stoat has plenty to be afraid of.

A new study from the University of Auckland and Landcare Research used hidden cameras to prove what scientists had long suspected: cats and ferrets are at the top of the predator tree with the stoat at a more lowly number three.

University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences doctoral candidate Patrick Garvey filmed 16 captive wild stoats over successive nights and recorded how they responded when either a ferret or cat was present.

Stoats were hyper-vigilant near a cat or a ferret, preferring to go hungry rather than get nearer to either of the two larger predators.

“Previous studies have generated some evidence that stoats are submissive to cats but this study clearly shows stoats will avoid cats and ferrets if at all possible and that has significant implications for conservation work in New Zealand,” Mr Garvey says.

“When we are getting rid of predators from our forests, we have to think carefully about the consequences of targeting cats and/or ferrets because that might allow stoats to thrive, which would be very bad news for our native birds and young kiwi in particular.”

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The wild stoats were released into a fenced arena with a caged feral cat or a caged ferret on one side and an empty cage on the other. Food was placed near the caged cat or ferret – the ‘risky’ area - and near the empty cage – the ‘safe’ area.

Near the caged cat or ferret, stoats showed increased vigilance while feeding, including standing on hind legs, and most left the ‘risky’ area very quickly. Only when all the food in the safe area had been consumed did they dare venture into the risky area, keeping a wary eye on the caged predator.

As well, the cat watched the stoat continuously within the arena and at one point tried to attack from within its cage.

“In the absence of large native carnivores in New Zealand, ferrets and cats have assumed the role of ‘top predators’ and the stoats appeared to recognise the danger immediately,” Mr Garvey says. “We don’t want stoats to benefit from control of ferrets and cats, the best way to manage this trio of predators is to target all of them simultaneously”

ENDS

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