# L\'evy like patterns in the small-scale movements of marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment

## TL;DR

This study reveals that Neotropical marsupials exhibit Le9vy flight movement patterns in unfamiliar, risky environments, suggesting innate default behaviors that facilitate exploration and survival.

## Contribution

It demonstrates that small-scale movements of these marsupials naturally follow Le9vy flights, highlighting an innate movement mode in risky habitats.

## Key findings

- Marsupials' movements are best approximated by Le9vy flights.
- Patterns are similar regardless of perceptual range of forest patches.
- Le9vy flight behavior appears to be an innate default mode.

## Abstract

We investigate the movement patterns of three different Neotropical marsupials in an unfamiliar and risky environment. Animals are released in a matrix from which they try to reach a patch of forest. Their movements, performed on a small spacial scale, are best approximated by L\'evy flights. Patterns of oriented and non-oriented individuals - with forest patches within or beyond their perceptual range - differ only slightly in the value of their exponents. These facts suggest that, for these species, the appearance of L\'evy flights is the product of animals innate behaviour that emerges spontaneously, as a neutral characteristic proper of a default movement mode for alerted animals.