In a surprising twist, a new study has found that Australian central bearded dragons that are the fastest runners face a higher risk of death in the wild compared to their slower counterparts. Researchers from the University of Melbourne tracked these lizards for a year in their natural habitats using miniature fitness trackers equipped with accelerometers and temperature sensors.
The study, published in the Journal of Animal Ecology under the British Ecological Society, challenges the long-held belief that speed is always an advantage for animals trying to survive. Instead, it reveals that the fastest dragons may be more prone to predation and the dangers associated with increased mating activities.
“Our findings highlight that being quick isn’t always better in the wild,” the researchers stated. “The survival of these dragons relies on a complex mix of their physiology, behavior, predation risks, and their environment.”
Bearded dragons are known to adjust their behavior with the changing seasons, moving between sunny and shaded areas to regulate their body temperature, which is crucial for their key functions. Understanding these real-world behaviors is essential for predicting how cold-blooded animals like reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates will cope with the impacts of climate change.
An interesting aspect of the study was that male bearded dragons had higher survival rates than females. This could be attributed to different behavioral patterns and responsibilities between the sexes in the wild.
This research underscores the importance of studying animals in their natural environments, as laboratory studies may miss the intricate interactions that influence survival. It serves as a reminder that real-world ecosystems are complex, and traits like speed may have both benefits and drawbacks depending on various factors.
