Half-awake to the risk of predation

Article Abstract:

Birds are able to sleep with one eye open and one hemisphere of the brain awake so that they can detect approaching predators. If avian unihemispheric slow wave sleep (USWS) acts as a form of predator detection, birds must be able to control whether they sleep mainly with one or both hemispheres in response to changes in predation risk. This was tested using four groups of mallard ducks and it was found that they increased their use of USWS when sleeping at the edge of the group, and an increased in unilateral eye closure reflected equivalent increase in USWS.

Physiological aspects, Birds, Sleep

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Alien versus predator

Article Abstract:

Biological control of invasive species by introducing a natural predator has not always been successful. However, recent research and strict controls on target specificity have made it an increasingly attractive option.

Pests, Biological control, Control, Pest introduction

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Night-time predation by Steller sea lions

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the use of acoustic surveillance and infrared scanning technology to investigate the night-time predation of Pacific herring by Steller sea lions in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Environmental aspects, Food and nutrition, Natural history, Prince William Sound, Sea lions, Herring

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