Camera traps unable to determine whether plasticine models of caterpillars reliably measure bird predation

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60077344%3A_____%2F25%3A00617865" target="_blank" >RIV/60077344:_____/25:00617865 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0308431&type=printable" target="_blank" >https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0308431&type=printable</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308431" target="_blank" >10.1371/journal.pone.0308431</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Camera traps unable to determine whether plasticine models of caterpillars reliably measure bird predation

Original language description

Sampling methods that are both scientifically rigorous and ethical are cornerstones of any experimental biological research. Since its introduction 30 years ago, the method of using plasticine prey to quantify predation pressure has become increasingly popular in biology. However, recent studies have questioned the accuracy of the method, suggesting that misinterpretation of predator bite marks and the artificiality of the models may bias the results. Yet, bias per se might not be a methodological issue as soon as its statistical distribution in the samples is even, quantifiable, and thus correctable in quantitative analyses. In this study, we focus on avian predation of lepidopteran larvae models, which is one of the most extensively studied predator-prey interactions across diverse ecosystems worldwide. We compared bird predation on plasticine caterpillar models to that on dead caterpillars of similar size and color, using camera traps to assess actual predation events and to evaluate observer accuracy in identifying predation marks a posteriori. The question of whether plasticine models reliably measure insectivorous bird predation remained unanswered, for two reasons: (1) even the evaluation of experienced observers in the posterior assessment of predation marks on plasticine models was subjective to some extent, and (2) camera traps failed to reflect predation rates as assessed by observers, partly because they could only record evidence of bird presence rather than actual predation events. Camera traps detected more evidence of bird presence than predation clues on plasticine models, suggesting that fake prey may underestimate the foraging activity of avian insectivores. The evaluation of avian predation on real caterpillar corpses was probably also compromised by losses to other predators, likely ants. Given the uncertainties and limitations revealed by this study, and in the current absence of more effective monitoring methods, it remains simpler, more cost-effective, ethical, and reliable to keep using plasticine models to assess avian predation. However, it is important to continue developing improved monitoring technologies to better evaluate and refine these methods in order to advance research in this field.

Czech name

—

Czech description

—

Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

10618 - Ecology

Project

<a href="/en/project/GN23-07045O" target="_blank" >GN23-07045O: Tree defence strategies: why and how does the strength of bottom-up control vary along latitudinal gradient?</a><br>

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

PLoS ONE

ISSN

1932-6203

e-ISSN

1932-6203

Volume of the periodical

20

Issue of the periodical within the volume

3

Country of publishing house

US - UNITED STATES

Number of pages

20

Pages from-to

e0308431

UT code for WoS article

001441478900017

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-86000320003