关键词: 捕食风险, 声讯信号, 高原鼠兔, 行为模式

Abstract: In order to explore the feasibility to control the population number of plateau pika by sound signal of predator,the influences of yells of raptor,beast,and distressed plateau pika(Ochotona curzoniae) on behavioral patterns of plateau pika were studied in August 2003.The results indicate that the voice of natural enemies and distressed screams of pika individual were important elements of predation risk for plateau pika,which intensively disturbed the behavior patterns of pikor.In those voices of pika enemies,the distressed screams of pika had most significant impact on the behavior patterns of pika and resulted in increased time for hiding in holes and decreased time for alertness.The voice of raptor and beast decreased the feeding time of pika significantly;at the same time,the voice of raptor prolonged the alertness time of pika.When plateau pika were suffered from risk sound signal,its responses were usually reduced foraging time,increased vigilance time,and increased detention time inside the cave,but the specific replying strategies was different according to the risk category and nature.The study also shows that plateau pika had a strong ability to identify and estimate the sound messages which could be an important action basis for the decision-making of pika.Therefore,the application of simulated risk sound signal to create and intensify a risk environment is a new approach worth of further exploration to control the local rodent population.

Key words: Predation risk, Sound signal, Plateau pika, Behavioral pattern