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Searching for the Audience of the Weeping Lizard's Distress Call
Author(s) -
Hoare Misque,
Labra Antonieta
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
ethology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.739
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1439-0310
pISSN - 0179-1613
DOI - 10.1111/eth.12127
Subject(s) - lizard , distress , predator , biology , sauria , ecology , zoology , alarm signal , predation , communication , psychology , alarm , materials science , composite material
The evolution and functions of avian and mammalian antipredator calls are well understood, which contrasts with a lack of progress in reptiles. Here, we present the first investigation of the functions of a distress call in a lizard. We studied Liolaemus chiliensis , which emits a short and complex high‐pitched scream when it is subdued. We determined the behavioral responses of two potential targets to these calls, conspecifics, and a snake predator. Additionally, we tested whether the chemical environment (presence of chemical scents from conspecifics) modulates the lizards' responses to calls. Both the conspecifics and the predator responded to the distress calls, which triggered a longer period of immobility in the lizards and a reduction in exploratory behavior in the snake, as compared to a white noise. In addition, the lizards in the arena with scents of conspecifics responded to distress calls and noise with more movements and escape attempts. These results suggest that distress calls may enhance the survival of L. chiliensis individuals.