Comparative foraging behavior of 3 heron species in small standing-water ecosystems in the arid zone of Oman  

作　　者：Zbigniew Kasprzykowski Artur Golawski 

机构地区：[1]Faculty of Sciences,University of Siedlce,Prusa 14,08-110 Siedlce,Poland

出　　处：《Current Zoology》2024年第6期780-785,共6页动物学报（英文版）

基　　金：supported by the University of Siedlce,Poland(Theme No.151/23/B and 152/23/B fnanced from a science grant by the Ministry of Education and Science,Poland).

摘　　要：The composition of assemblages,diet and behavior of waterbird species with similar ecological features are important aspects in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.Closely related animal species often share resources such as space and food in ways that reduce competition,but if the diets of different species strongly overlap,interspecific competition may intensify.This analysis examined behavioral data relating to Great Egret,Little Egret,and Squacco Heron to explore their foraging efficiencies in rich aquatic habitats in an arid zone during post-breeding movements.The fieldwork was carried out in small estuaries of a Wadi on the southern coast of Oman.The frequency of interactions was the highest in Squacco Heron and the lowest in Great Egret.However,the differences in the numbers of inter-and intra-specific interactions between the 3 species were significant.Activity indices calculated for a 5-min period,i.e.,the number of interactions(interaction index)and times of flying and walking(movement index)differed among the 3 species.The number of successful attacks was the highest in Squacco Heron,while the foraging effectiveness of Great Egret and Little Egret was similar.GLM analysis showed that only the movement index was significant,as it had a positive impact on individual foraging success.Great Egret caught more fish than the other 2 heron species which,in turn,caught a greater number of smaller prey items,mostly invertebrates.This study shows that heron species in the same rich habitat employ different foraging tactics.In comparison to the other two heron species,the foraging tactics of Squacco Heron seem to be the most susceptible to competition.However,its greater mobility and using different foraging tactics,enhance its foraging success.

关 键 词：COMPETITION food niche foraging success hunting tactics interactions 

分 类 号：Q95[生物学—动物学]