Biology subjects

Chevallay, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Chevallay, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Spies of the deep: an animal-borne active sonar and bioluminescence tag to characterise mesopelagic prey size and behaviour in distinct oceanographic domains

Mesopelagic fish, a central component of marine trophic networks, play a fundamental role in marine ecosystems. However, as they live in highly inaccessible environments, little information is currently available on their ecology, especially on the influence of oceanographic parameters on their distribution. The emergence of biologging technologies has made it possible to use deep-diving predators as bio-samplers of their environment in under-sampled regions. In this work, we deployed an innovati ve miniaturised sonar tag that combines active acoustics with high-resolution GPS, pressure, movement and light sensors on Southern elephant seals, a deep-diving predator feeding on mesopelagic prey. Seals were also equipped with oceanographic tags, allowing us to explore the functional relationships between oceanographic parameters, distribution and ecology of mesopelagic prey targeted by seals and the seals foraging behaviour. We highlighted strong vertical differences in prey characteristics and behaviour, with larger, more evasive and less bioluminescent prey in deeper waters. Moreover, prey encountered in warmer waters were found deeper, were more evasive and displayed a more marked diel vertical migration behaviour compared to prey encountered in colder waters, suggesting that prey accessibility and characteristics differ according to oceanographic domains. This study highlights the usefulness of the sonar-bioluminescence tag to infer mesopelagic prey distribution and habitat when deployed on deep-diving predators such as elephant seals.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Sealing the deal - Antarctic fur seals' active hunting tactics to capture small evasive prey revealed by miniature sonar tags

Fine-scale interactions between predators and their prey are key factors determining both predators hunting efficiency and prey survival. The ability to adopt hunting tactics that minimise the risk of triggering an escape reaction from the prey is crucial for an efficient foraging, and is contingent to detection capabilities and locomotor performances of both predators and prey. In this study, we aimed at describing fine-scale predator-prey interactions in female Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, AFS hereafter), a small pinniped foraging on evasive prey. Our objectives were (1) to describe characteristics of prey targeted by female AFS to assess prey selection in this species; (2) to estimate the timing of prey detection by AFS and prey reaction to the AFS approach, and (3) to describe AFS hunting tactics, i.e. fine-scale AFS posture and swimming activity during prey capture events. In fine, we seek to better understand AFSs efficiency at exploiting their small prey. To do so, we used data recorded by a newly developed sonar tag that combines active acoustics with ultra-high resolution movement sensors to study simultaneously the fine-scale behaviour of both AFS and prey during predator-prey interactions. We analysed more than 1200 prey capture events in eight female AFS and showed that AFS and their prey detect each other at the same time, i.e. 1-2 seconds before the strike, forcing AFS to display reactive fast-moving chases to capture their prey. Prey detection was consistently followed by bursts of accelerations from AFS, which lasted longer for evasive prey. We suggest that the ability of AFS to perform bursts of accelerations may allow them to target evasive prey. This active hunting tactics is likely very energy-consuming but might be compensated by the consumption of highly nutritious prey.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

A matter of life and death - Hunting tactics of Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and anti-predatory behaviours of their prey

For air-breathing marine predators that must save energy during dives, the ability to adopt hunting tactics that minimise the risk of triggering an escape reaction from the prey is crucial for an efficient foraging. Female Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina, SES hereafter) forage on small mesopelagic prey that they must hunt almost continuously to meet their high-energy requirements. Here we aimed at understanding how these large time-limited deep-divers can efficiently exploit their small sized prey. To do so, we used data recorded by a new biologger, the sonar tag, deployed on SES during their post-breeding foraging trips. This tag combines an active acoustic sensor with ultra-high-resolution movement and bioluminescence sensors, offering a unique opportunity to simultaneously describe SES hunting tactics to capture their prey and defence mechanisms employed by prey. We analysed more than 5,800 prey capture events in nine SES and show that they adopt a "stalking" hunting behaviour allowing them to get as close as possible to their prey before attacking. The ability of SES to adopt stealth approach tactics, minimising the risk of initiating a flight reaction from their prey, might be a key factor in the success of this far-ranging generalist predator.

ecology↗