Behavioural variation, sociality, and antipredator behaviour across multiple invasions of the delicate skink

Invasive species are a significant threat to the environment. Behaviour is crucial in determining whether a species becomes invasive, yet little is known of how invasion can affect behaviour. This thesis focuses on an Australian lizard that is invasive on several Pacific islands. I found that recently established populations showed differences in some behaviours compared to native populations. However, antipredator behaviours endured despite 40 generations of freedom from specific predators. Lastly, I demonstrated that human disruption results in heightened aggression within social groups. To date, this is the most comprehensive study of behavioural variation in an invasive system.