The global expansion of human activities increasingly exposes wild animals to novel, potentially threatening conditions. Consistent behavioural responses to perceived risk may be detrimental to wildlife, either by limiting foraging opportunities or by overexposing them to lethal hazards. We examine the relationship between risk responses, movement patterns and survival in fan-tailed ravens (Corvus rhipidurus) inhabiting Israel's Dead Sea coastline. We found consistent individual differences assessed through controlled laboratory assays (novel food, objects, environment and foraging near humans) and even stronger consistencies in the wild via GPS-derived movement metrics. While risk-prone ravens remained near tourist sites and travelled less, risk-averse individuals foraged farther towards the edge of their home ranges, avoiding human activity. Further, risk-averse individuals were more likely to survive over extended periods than risk-prone individuals. As anthropogenic change accelerates, variation in consistent risk-taking behaviour could determine individuals' capacity to adapt and survive and consequently shape population composition and persistence.
Guinea et al. (Sun,) studied this question.