The Rodents' Strategy
Who would have ever thought that the nourish could develop strategies to escape the eyes of humans? This is revealed by a fascinating study by CNR-IRET and the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) – the first national research center dedicated to biodiversity, funded by the PNRR – Next Generation EU – in collaboration with the University of Pisa and the municipality of Empoli. NBFC researchers (Spoke 5) Andrea Viviano, Leonardo Ancillotto and Emiliano Mori of the CNR-IRET of Florence together with researcher Olivia Dondina of the University of Milan-Bicocca, analyzed the behavior of coypus in the Serravalle Urban Park in Empoli, revealing their particular adaptation and providing useful indications for the management of this invasive species.
Study campaigns
Coypu (Myocastor coypus), originally from South America, were introduced to Europe for the fur industry and subsequently spread uncontrollably, especially in urban areas, causing damage to local ecosystems and infrastructure. Camera traps were installed for 12 months to monitor their behavior. "Understanding the behavior of invasive species is essential to develop effective management strategies. Our observations suggest that study campaigns on coypu should focus on the warmer months, when these animals are more active on land and therefore more easily detectable," says Andrea Viviano.
Greater visibility
These rodents tend to be more active during twilight and at night to avoid interactions with humans and other predators. Their activity is further reduced during nights with a full moon to avoid risks related to greater visibility, thus suggesting the hypothesis that there is an anti-predator mechanism. The results of the monitoring, published in the international ethology journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, also highlighted that nutria spend most of their time swimming and searching for food, with different behaviors between males and females. Adult males have proven to be territorial, actively defending their spaces. Females instead play a key role in protecting their pups. (Source: NBFC)
You May Also Like ..
