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Living fast, dying young: Anthropogenic habitat modification influences the fitness and life history traits of a cooperative breeder
  • +2
  • Alejandro Alaman,
  • Enrique Casas,
  • Manuel Arbelo,
  • Oded Keynan,
  • Lee Koren
Alejandro Alaman
Bar-Ilan University
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Enrique Casas
Universidad de La Laguna Facultad de Física
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Manuel Arbelo
Universidad de La Laguna Facultad de Física
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Oded Keynan
Dead Sea and Arava Science Center
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Lee Koren
Bar-Ilan University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Anthropogenic habitat modification is especially detrimental to social species. Apart from direct fitness effects, it can destroy group structure and affect social interactions crucial for reproduction and survival. Here, we assessed the impact of habitat modification on the fitness and life history traits of a cooperative breeder, the Arabian babbler (Argya squamiceps). We collected spatial, reproductive, and social data on 572 individuals belonging to 21 social groups over six years and combined it with remote sensing to characterize group territories. Groups in modified habitats bred more and had greater productivity during dry years. Males living in modified habitats dispersed and acquired dominance at a younger age, showing a faster pace of life. However, group performance and total fitness were higher in natural habitats during average years. Habitat modification indirectly affected fitness by altering social structure, whereby younger males who lacked experience became dominant, leading to reduced nesting success.
21 Nov 2023Submitted to Ecology Letters
15 Feb 20241st Revision Received
16 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Feb 2024Submission Checks Completed
16 Feb 2024Assigned to Editor
21 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
29 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
10 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Apr 2024Editorial Decision: Accept