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Sympatric ray species show different temporal patterns for accessing provisioned food

Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons , Molly White, Nathan Knott, Culum Brown

Abstract

Context: Food provisioning is widely used in elasmobranch tourism to elicit encounters between tourists and these typically elusive species. Wildlife tourism operations usually target a single species, though behavioural responses of these species often differ between provisioning locations. Likewise, provisioned foods are often consumed by multiple non-target species, which may also differ in their behavioural responses despite being exposed to the same provisioning event. Few studies have compared behaviour and movement patterns of multiple species in response to provisioning, particularly those occupying similar niches. Aims: This study aimed to compare the movement patterns of two sympatric ray species, the smooth stingray (Bathythosia brevicaudata) and the southern eagle ray (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus), around a site where they are fed as part of an unregulated but popular tourist attraction in southeastern Australia. Methods: Using passive acoustic telemetry, we compared the presence, duration of visits, and space use around the provisioning site for the two ray species. Key results: Both species responded to provisioning at the site, but in different ways, suggesting different temporal use of the provisioning site (i.e., time-sharing). Southern eagle rays exhibited stronger attachment to the site, potentially indicating habituation to regular provisioning and a greater risk of being negatively impacted than smooth stingrays. Conversely, smooth stingrays appeared to focus their use of the site on periods of higher provisioning activity (i.e., daytime and on weekends) and may temporarily displace the smaller eagle rays during these times. Despite their attachment, both species made movements out of the study area, suggesting limited impacts on broader-scale behaviours. Conclusions: Smooth stingrays and southern eagle rays exhibited distinct temporal patterns of site use in response to food provisioning, reflecting differences in their behavioural responses. These patterns suggest that even closely related and co-occurring species may adopt different approaches to accessing the same anthropogenic resource. Implications: This research highlights the need for a broader approach to assessing and managing wildlife provisioning activities, that takes into account species-specific responses and interspecific interactions.

WR24207  Accepted 16 May 2025

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