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Alien predators are a major cause of decline and extinction of species worldwide, since native organisms are rarely equipped with specific antipredatory strategies to cope with them. However, phenotypic plasticity and learned predator recognition may help prey populations to survive novel predators. Here we examine geographical variation in the learning ability of larval spadefoot toads (Pelobates cultripes) to recognize invasive predatory crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We compare the learning-mediated behavioural responses of tadpoles from six populations across two regions in Spain (central and southern), with different histories of exposure to the presence of the invasive species. Two of the populations showed innate recognition of chemical cues from the invasive crayfish, whereas three of them learned to recognize such cues as a threat after conditioning with conspecific alarm cues. Learning abilities did not differ among southern populations, but they did among central populations. We assessed patterns of genetic variation within and among these two regions through microsatellite markers and found low genetic divergence among the southern populations but greater differentiation among the central ones. We hypothesize that similar responses to the invasive crayfish in southern populations may have arisen from a combination of extended historical exposure to this introduced predator (~ 50 y) and higher levels of gene flow, as they inhabit a highly interconnected pond network. In contrast, populations from central Spain show lower connectivity, have been exposed to the invasive crayfish for a shorter period of time, and are more divergent in their plastic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of predation risk is critical for prey survival during predator–prey interactions. Prey can assess predation risk by the presence of cues dropped by predators themselves, but they can also gather information about risk level through cues released by other prey, avoiding the hazard of being in close proximity to predators. In this study, we examine the ability of anuran larvae (Pelobates cultripes) to detect predation risk indirectly when they are in contact with conspecifics that have been recently exposed to chemical stimuli from natural predators (larvae of aquatic beetles). In a first experiment, we confirmed that larvae exposed to predator cues exhibited innate defensive behavior, indicating that they perceived the risk of predation and, thus, could potentially act as risk indicators for naïve conspecifics. In a second experiment, we observed that unexposed larvae paired with a startled conspecific adjusted their antipredator behavior, presumably by mirroring conspecifics' behavior and/or using chemical cues from their partners as a risk information source. This cognitive ability of tadpoles to assess predation risk through conspecific cues might play an important role in their interaction with predators, facilitating the early detection of potential threats to elicit appropriate antipredator responses and increase the chances of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among invasive species, floating plants have a great impact on aquatic ecosystems, forming dense mats that cause a great alteration of the physical and chemical water features. We experimentally assessed the effect of Azolla filiculoides mats on Mediterranean temporary waters using mesocosms with sediments from an invaded marsh and amphibian larvae from surrounding wetlands. Azolla filiculoides formed a dense mat over the water surface in the experimental tanks, which decreased pH and oxygen concentration, and increased nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the water compared to mesocosms lacking the exotic fern. Macrophyte abundance and richness were reduced under the Azolla mat. Invaded mesocosms also had higher phytoplankton abundance and different zooplankton composition, which was mainly characterized by higher abundance of juvenile copepods. Regarding amphibian development, tadpoles requiring a long developmental period, the western spadefoot toad, Pelobates cultripes, had significantly lower survival in the presence of A. filiculoides (4.8% compared to 60% survival in fern-free mesocosms). For tadpoles of the Mediterranean tree frog, Hyla meridionalis, which develop faster, we did not detect effects on survival, but on body size and physical condition of metamorphs. The formation of A. filiculoides mats produced a deterioration of the trophic web, as it caused most sources to be depleted in 13C and 15N. Primary consumers, tadpoles and zooplankton, were also 13C depleted, although the diet of tadpoles from Azolla mesocosms was mainly composed of the invasive fern. We therefore conclude that A. filiculoides has a negative impact on physical and chemical water features, reduces the richness and biomass of the submerged macrophyte guild and reduces survival and body condition of tadpoles. Overall, A. filiculoides causes substantial deterioration of the food web of the aquatic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]