Small canopy species drive information highways about predators in an Amazonian rainforest

Camerlenghi E.; Parra E.; Novoa J.; Blumstein D.T.; Ponciano J.M.; Martínez A.E. · Current Biology (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2026.02.006

Resumen

Interspecies communication networks about threats can shape animal communities, as many species produce alarm calls while eavesdropping on those of others, resulting in information flow crossing ecological niches and taxonomic boundaries 1,2,3 . Some species contribute disproportionately to these networks by being particularly vigilant, accurate in predator detection, and consistent in alarm call production. These key informants influence how others perceive danger and produce information used across taxonomic groups 4,5,6 . As well, predator encounters by themselves could also alter the soundscape more broadly by producing brief risk-related cues that reach many listeners 7 . However, information about how predator-related information spreads across animal communities remains poorly understood.