Vegetation structure mediates a shift in predator avoidance behavior in a range-edge population

Abstract

Behavioral changes can be the difference between life and death for organisms living in novel habitat along their species’ range edge. Tree-climbing crabs, which occur in grassy marshes beyond the range of their primary mangrove habitat, swap predator avoidance behaviors to match escape opportunities provided by each habitat’s distinct vegetation growth forms. Such behavioral matching can occur faster than adaption and may enhance the persistence of range-edge populations as climate rearranges species and their habitats.