In search of water: orientation behaviour of dehydrated natterjack toads, Bufo calamita

Citation
P. Dall'Antonia et U. Sinsch, In search of water: orientation behaviour of dehydrated natterjack toads, Bufo calamita, ANIM BEHAV, 61, 2001, pp. 617-629
Citations number
32
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences","Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
ISSN journal
0003-3472 → ACNP
Volume
61
Year of publication
2001
Part
3
Pages
617 - 629
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-3472(200103)61:<617:ISOWOB>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
We analysed the water-finding ability of 12 natterjack toads, after mild de hydration, in an experimental environment (octagonal arena) which provided geo- and hydrotactic, magnetic, olfactory and visual cues for orientation. We tested the hypotheses that the water-finding ability is based on pilotag e, using gradients of waterborne cues, and that the cues used for water ori entation differ between individuals. Random search behaviour of naive toads released in the arena showed that goal-oriented movements towards the exit leading to water required previous experience of the position of the water source. Thus, the water-finding ability of natterjacks is restricted to fa miliar areas. Physiological and behavioural responses to training and testi ng varied considerably between individuals: six toads became oedomatous and learned how to locate water, whereas the remaining six did not. We analyse d the orientation behaviour of successfully trained toads in the training a rena, when directional cues were removed or provided conflicting informatio n, and present evidence for individuality in the use of orientation cues: t hree toads relied mainly on geotactic cues and olfactory pilotage, another mainly on visual landmarks and geomagnetic information, and another used al l cues available without clear preference. In conclusion, to detect water, dehydrated toads rely on a multisensory orientation system, which is basica lly the same as that used during breeding migrations and includes several r edundancies. (C) 2001 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.