Hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) behavioral and survival data within the Florida Everglades, 2023

Consistent individual differences in animal behavior (i.e., personality traits) can influence multiple components of fitness, including predation risk. Because prey species often encounter multiple predator types, the relationship between personality traits and predation risk may vary depending on predator foraging strategy. Using hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) as a model system, we evaluated how personality traits affect vulnerability to ambush versus actively foraging predators. We captured cotton rats in the Florida Everglades and conducted three behavioral assays—the Emergence Test, Open Field Test, and Handling Bag Test—to assess the repeatability of personality traits. Following behavioral trials, we fitted adult rats with radiocollars equipped with mortality sensors. Individuals were monitored weekly, and mortality events were investigated to determine the most likely cause of death. We then used Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risks models to evaluate the influence of personality traits on predation risk.