The Evolutionary Pathway to Obligate Scavenging in Gyps Vultures

Brian J. Dermody, Colby J. Tanner, Andrew L. Jackson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The evolutionary pathway to obligate scavenging in Gyps vultures remains unclear. We propose that communal roosting plays a central role in setting up the information transfer network critical for obligate scavengers in ephemeral environments and that the formation of a flotilla-like foraging group is a likely strategy for foraging Gyps vultures. Using a spatial, individual-based, optimisation model we find that the communal roost is critical for establishing the information network that enables information transfer owing to the spatial-concentration of foragers close to the roost. There is also strong selection pressure for grouping behaviour owing to the importance of maintaining network integrity and hence information transfer during foraging. We present a simple mechanism for grouping, common in many animal species, which has the added implication that it negates the requirement for roost-centric information transfer. The formation of a flotilla-like foraging group also improves foraging efficiency through the reduction of overlapping search paths. Finally, we highlight the importance of consideration of information transfer mechanisms in order to maximise the success of vulture reintroduction programmes. © 2011 Dermody et al.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere24635
Pages (from-to)e24635
Number of pages1
JournalPLoS One
Volume6
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Sept 2011

Keywords

  • animal behavior
  • article
  • carcass
  • communal roosting
  • controlled study
  • evolutionary adaptation
  • foraging behavior
  • fowl
  • geographical variation (species)
  • group dynamics
  • group structure
  • Gyps vulture
  • information
  • natural selection
  • nonhuman
  • scavenger (organism)
  • species differentiation
  • species diversity

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