Detection of prey by captive Ningaui ridei and Sminthopsis griseoventer (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae).

Abstract

The role of olfaction, vision and hearing in prey detection was investigated in Sminthopsis griseoventer and Ningaui ridei. Prey were presented so that they could be detected by one or a combination of these senses. When prey was presented so that only one sense could be used, prey were detected only by olfaction. When prey were presented so that two or all senses could be used, prey detection was fastest when all three senses were used and faster when hearing was used in combination with olfaction than when vision was used in combination with olfaction. It is suggested that hearing and vision may direct prey investigation by olfaction, and so speed location of prey.