Grouping Behaviour and Anti-Predator Responses in the Helmeted Guineafowl <em>Numida meleagris</em>

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202407.0966.v1
• Publication Date: 2024-07-12T12:08:54Z
• Authors: Johann Hendrik va...; Giovanni Forcina; Rodrigo Megía-Palma
• Keywords: Jackal; Harassment

Abstract: Little is known about landbird group dynamics in response to predation. Here, we describe the interactions between Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and its predators regarding survival advantages grouping behaviour may provide. Livestream webcam observations were conducted Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa) from August 2020 December 2021. Emphasis was placed on predator&amp;ndash;prey interaction effect size structure a spatial framework. Although Black-Backed Jackals (Lupulella mesomelas) are not adept at hunting birds, they might negatively impact guineafowl by curtailing their feeding time during winter with constant harassment. We found that these canids often approach larger denser groups morning late evenings. Surprisingly, most responded standing nearby. On contrary, higher predator-induced associated presence of predatory arguably as part an evolutionary stable prey-predator system. This line thought also supported lack precise defensive mechanism elicited jackal attacks, unlike those aerial predators. Nevertheless, contend strategy respond predator attacks while individuals engage daily activities.