Alarm calling in response to the presence of predators is a phenomenon that has been previously recognized. This tactic is used in mixed group of birds that actively spot predators while looking for prey, otherwise known as sentinels. A recent study performed in Thailand shows that mammals may be working with a flock of birds to help alert them to the presence of predators.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the behavior of mammals in mixed bird species and examine the evidence for a possible mutualistic relationship (Round, 2017). In the study, researchers collected data on which species produced a sound when faced with one of their predators. Data collection took place in a large protected forest in Thailand (Western Forest Complex) in the first and last four hours of daylight for twelve days. Three species of Drongo birds, that travel in flocks, were of interest. The birds were placed in a category based off of size and sorted by foraging behavior. Food behaviors included arboreal or bark gleaners and terrestrial or fly catching foraging. Researchers made a note of each individual mammalian species encountered, and the types of birds in the flock.The order of species making sounds in the presence of predators was recorded. The result showed that two species of squirrels made the most alarm calls when faced with predators. Out of 70 occasions, the western striped squirrel made the largest percentage of calls.All of the bird species preferred mammals that were bark gleaners such as the Western squirrel.
The western striped squirrel made anti-predator alarms more than any other mammalian species recorded. The squirrels tended to look for food more in the presence of Drongos likely due to reduced risk of predation. Drongos also foraged more, often following the western squirrel as they search in tree bark for food. The results of this study suggests that the Western squirrel and Drongo have a mutually beneficial relationship. Conservation efforts of the alarm calling Western squirrel and Drongo may need to be a joint venture and are not to be snoozed on.
Limparungpatthanakij, W., Gale, G. A., Brockelman, W. Y., & Round, P. D. (2017). Western striped squirrel Tamiops mcclellandii: A non-avian sentinel species of bird waves. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY, 65, 474-481.
Nataly Ulloa
November 9, 2017 — 11:13 pm
It’s cool to learn about how different species might be cooperating for mutual benefits when foraging.
Crystal Burgess
November 10, 2017 — 4:07 am
This study was very interesting and highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. I would never predict the mutual relationship between these two animals.
Hamda Hussein
November 10, 2017 — 7:06 am
it is interesting to see that alarm calling is very common among birds and squirrels. I wonder if their alarm calling is gear towards mating also or just for antipredator strategies.
Gabrielle Moore
November 13, 2017 — 5:25 pm
That’s interesting that these squirrels made more anti-predator alarm calls than any other record mammal. I’d be curious to see differences or similarities in social behavior between these species of squirrels and birds and how these alarm calls differ in light of social structure of the animals.