Escape by a refuging prey, the broad-headed skink (Eumeces laticeps)

Abstract

Factors influencing escape to refuge by the broad-headed skink (Eumeces laticeps) were examined by multiple regression and correlation of quantitative escape variables and distance and direction to refuge. I simulated a predator by walking toward a lizard and recorded aspects of escape. Approach distance (distance from me when escape began) increased with distance and angle to refuge, suggesting that the skinks assessed that risk increased with relative times required for prey and predator to reach the refuge. Distance fled was affected jointly by distance from the predator when escape began and distance to refuge; it increased with distance to refuge. It also increased with the angle between the predator's path and refuge due to declining distance from the predator per unit distance fled. Direction to the nearest refuge and direction fled were nearly identical. Distance and direction to refuge should strongly affect escape behaviour in prey that are active some distance from refuges but rely on them to avoid predation. These relationships may be weaker or absent in anachoric species (those nearly continuously occupying refuges) and those remaining close to refuges, as well as in species relying more on speed and fleeing for long distances than on refuges.