Data from: Recognition of predator cues hinders social communication

Antipredator defenses often rely on perception and discrimination of cues
from predators, and alteration of behavior by potential prey.
Characteristics of acoustic signals allow eavesdropping on calls of
predators, permitting listeners to gauge predation risk by assessing the
location and identity of the signaler. We tested the ability of bats that
are preyed upon by other bats to discriminate between echolocation calls
of predators and non-predators, and the impact of risk reduction
strategies on communication and sociality. Bats distinguished between
echolocation calls of predators and non-predators, recognizing predator
calls with high accuracy. However, bats were more cautious when the
structure of non-predator calls was similar to predator calls. In the
presence of predator calls, bats ceased social communication, impacting
sociality and disrupting group cohesion.