Head-started animals often lack natural predator responses, prompting pre-release anti-predator training in conservation head-starting programs to enhance post-release survival. This behavioral conditioning method aims to improve predator recognition and responses. The endangered Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is increasingly involved in head-starting programs but faces high depredation risk, including by subsidized predators like the common raven (Corvus corax). This study investigated impacts of anti-predator training on head-started juvenile desert tortoise behavior. Utilizing a before-after, control-impact experimental design, all tortoises were exposed to predator cues (model raven flyover paired with raven calls). The treatment group then received predator cues paired with an aversive experience, while the control group was exposed to predator cues without negative consequences. Tortoises received predator cues again. Behavioral data were collected for 24 hours before and after each predator exposure to quantify changes in predator responses between control and trained tortoises before and after treatment. Preliminary results suggest no significant behavioral changes in trained tortoises. However, our results also reveal notable individual variation in predator responses, which could be related to sources of environmental variation (e.g. air temperature) or to individual behavioral differences (“personality”). Post-release survival measurement will enable further evaluation of this anti-predator training approach.

Isabelle Smits is senior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo on track to graduate in June 2024 with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a minor in Biology. Her past experience includes Northern elephant seal population monitoring and Western bluebird research on the effects of anthropogenic noise and light pollution. Most recently, Isabelle investigated anti-predator responses of Mojave desert tortoises as a Recovery Ecology Research Fellow with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Isabelle looks forward to pursuing a career in wildlife conservation science. Her interests include behavioral ecology, population sustainability, and human-wildlife intersections.