Prey availability influences the effect of boldness on reproductive success in a mammalian predator

Boldness is an important trait in wild populations, and among-individual differences can link to individual fitness. The strength and direction of relationships between behavioral and life-history traits may however vary according to environmental conditions, where fluctuating selection acting on behavioral traits contributes to the maintenance of personality differences. We explored sources of variation in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) boldness and investigated how temporal variation in the abundance of a main prey (lemmings) influences the relationship between fox boldness and reproductive success. We measured the behavioral reaction of individuals when escaping after handling, as an indicator of their boldness. We obtained 70 measurements from 42 individuals during two years of low lemming abundance and 2 years of high lemming abundance and assessed fox litter size as an indicator of reproductive success. First, individual characteristics (age, sex, mass) did not affect Arctic fox boldness, while individual identity generated variation in boldness. Next, we found that during years of low lemming density, individuals behaving boldly had more pups than those behaving less boldly, suggesting boldness may provide an advantage when lemmings are scarce by increasing hunting success or allowing access to alternative resources. However, all individuals tended to show high levels of boldness when lemming density was high, and all produced large litters. Temporal variation in the abundance of a main prey might therefore influence the relation between boldness and reproductive success of a predator, and if individuals consistently differ in their level of boldness, fluctuating selection could contribute to the maintenance of personality.Significance statementEffects of boldness on Arctic fox reproductive success: lemming abundance matters! When lemmings are scarce, foxes showing bold behavior have more pups than foxes showing less bold behavior. This highlights that under low prey availability, boldness may bring short-term benefits to predators, potentially because it allows to acquire more food. When lemmings are abundant, however, all foxes produce as many pups. This shows that environmental conditions such as prey abundance can influence the relation between behavior and reproductive success in a predator. Studying the context-dependency of relationships between behavior and reproductive success is critical to better understand ecological and evolutionary consequences of environmental change.