# Predation experiments with 3D-printed lizard models yield limited responses in pheasants

## TL;DR

Pheasants showed little reaction to 3D-printed lizard models, suggesting static models may not mimic real prey effectively.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of 3D-printed models in eliciting predator responses in a controlled outdoor setting.

## Key findings

- Pheasants showed minimal response to static 3D-printed lizard models.
- Younger pheasants (7–12 weeks old) exhibited higher alert responses compared to adults.
- No significant effects were observed based on lizard model color morph or sex.

## Abstract

Animal colouration has been viewed as an adaptation shaped by both abiotic and biotic factors, balancing sexual attractiveness against predation risk. In studying predator-prey dynamics, using 3D models as prey surrogates is common, but material constraints can affect outcomes in both natural and seminatural settings. Here, we utilized 3D-printed models representing three colour morphs of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) to investigate interactions with captive-bred pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) utilizing forced exploration experiments in an outdoor arena fitted with a grass carpet. The models adequately represented the lizard colouration across a reflectance spectral range of 330–800 nm. Our findings indicate that the pheasants generally exhibited a minimal response to static models, with significant differences observed only in younger birds (7–12 weeks old), demonstrating a higher alert response than adults. No effects were found relating to the colour morph or sex of the lizard models. These results suggest that immobile 3D-printed prey models may be insufficient to trigger natural predator responses in this predator-prey system, highlighting potential limitations of static models in eliciting predator reaction.