scholarly journals Group size constraints may mask underlying similarities in social structure: a comparison of female elephant societies

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandini Shetty ◽  
P. Keerthipriya ◽  
T.N.C. Vidya
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Group Size ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Community Detection ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Average Group ◽  
The Social ◽  
Elephant Population ◽  
Average Group Size

AbstractWe report on female Asian elephant social structure in Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks (Kabini population), southern India, and examine the role of group size in affecting the outcome of social structure analysis in female elephants, which show high fission-fusion dynamics. Based on five years of data, we found the Kabini association network structured into highly modular communities that we call clans. We then modified the dataset (to obtain the Kabini 500-m dataset) to match sampling methods previously used in a study each of Asian (Uda Walawe) and African savannah (Samburu) elephants, so that network and association statistics could be compared across populations. Measures of association and network structure previously used were more similar amongst the Asian elephant populations compared to Samburu. The Samburu population formed a hierarchically-nested multilevel society whereas the Asian populations did not. However, we found hierarchical clustering levels in all three populations using Louvain community detection. Moreover, the average community sizes obtained through the Louvain method were not significantly different across populations, indicating basic similarities in social structure. Since fission-fusion dynamics allow for community members to form groups of different sizes, we examined the effect of average group size on association and network statistics. Higher average association index and degree, and lower average path length in Samburu compared to the Kabini 500-m dataset were explained by the larger average group size in Samburu. Thus, underlying similarities in the social networks of species showing fission-fusion dynamics may be obscured by differences in average group size.Significance StatementVarious measures of associations and social network analyses have been used to compare social structures of different populations. We studied the social structure of female Asian elephants in a southern Indian population and compared it with those of a Sri Lankan Asian elephant population and an African savannah elephant population. We showed that, while there were social differences between the Asian and African savannah elephant populations using previous methods, there were basic similarities across all three populations using a method of network community detection. This discrepancy across analyses partly stemmed from differences in average group size between populations. Average group size in fission-fusion societies variously affected different association and network statistics, which has implications for inferences about social structure.

scholarly journals Social structure and demography of a remnant Asian elephant Elephas maximus population and the implications for survival

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Hale ◽  
Kun Shi ◽  
Tania C. Gilbert ◽  
Kelvin S.-H. Peh ◽  
Philip Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Effective Density ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Sex Ratio Bias ◽  
Elephant Population

Abstract The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is at risk of extinction as a result of anthropogenic pressures, and remaining populations are often small and fragmented remnants, occupying a fraction of the species' former range. Once widely distributed across China, only a maximum of 245 elephants are estimated to survive across seven small populations. We assessed the Asian elephant population in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve in Lincang Prefecture, China, using camera traps during May–July 2017, to estimate the population size and structure of this genetically important population. Although detection probability was low (0.31), we estimated a total population size of c. 20 individuals, and an effective density of 0.39 elephants per km2. Social structure indicated a strong sex ratio bias towards females, with only one adult male detected within the population. Most of the elephants associated as one herd but three adult females remained separate from the herd throughout the trapping period. These results highlight the fragility of remnant elephant populations such as Nangunhe and we suggest options such as a managed metapopulation approach for their continued survival in China and more widely.

scholarly journals Social and Play Behavior in a Wild Eastern Coyote, Canis latrans, Pack

2007 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan G. Way
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Play Behavior ◽  
Maximal Group ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Specific Radio ◽  
Average Group Size

I had close and consistent observations of a wild eastern Coyote pack (Canis latrans) from January 2000 to August 2007. During this time, I obtained 3156 radio-locations on a specific radio-collared breeding male (“Sill”) and observed him and/or members of his pack on 375 occasions. The average group size = 3.0 ± 2.3 (SD) Coyotes with 1.9 ± 1.2 (SD) being adults and 1.1 ± 1.9 being pups. Maximal group size involved 12 Coyotes (9 pups, 3 adults). During these observations, Coyotes most often behaved in a friendly manner toward each other as indicated by 80 of my observations involving play between pups, and 15 involving play among adult Coyotes. On the evening of 6 July 2007 I observed the breeding male (>8 yr old), his mate (>5 yr old), one of their full-sized probable yearlings, and five pups playing intensely for 33 minutes. This paper details social and play behavior from this pack, especially from the 6 July 2007 observation.

Agonistic behavior among mountain goats foraging in winter

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (11) ◽  
pp. 2585-2588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Masteller ◽  
James A. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Dominance Order ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Oreamnos Americanus ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Mountain Goats ◽  
Mineral Licks ◽  
Average Group Size

During two winters we studied agonistic behavior of foraging mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in both natural and manipulated conditions. By maintaining food pellets at bait site we tested two hypotheses: (i) dominant goats will have primary access to the food, and (ii) kids of dominant nannies will have access to the food with their mothers. At the bait site, average group size was larger and goats in each sex–age class were more aggressive compared with those away from the site. The dominance order among sex–age classes at the bait was similar to that reported at mineral licks, except that 2-year-old males dominated adult females. When goats fed at the bait site, adult females with kids were very aggressive and nanny–kid distances decreased. At the bait, an orphan kid received much aggression, while kids with their mothers received few threats. At the bait site, dominant goats had primary, but not exclusive, access to the bait and kids fed with their mothers, which supported our hypotheses.

Variation in coyote social organization: the influence of prey size

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Don Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Social Organization ◽  
Group Size ◽  
National Park ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Group Foraging ◽  
Winter Diet ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Average Group Size

The foraging ecology and social organization of coyotes, Canis latrans, were studied in Jasper National Park, Alberta, from 1974 to 1977. Diet was determined from analysis of 1967 feces. In summer when rodents (43%) and neonatal cervids (19%) were the major foods, average group size in the population was 1.4 (n = 339 observations), whereas in winter when large ungulates dominated the diet (67%) average group size rose to 2.0 (n = 798). This pattern was also evident for two packs where mean group size rose from 1.5 in summer to 3.1 in winter with the incorporation of pups into the pack. The percentage of mule deer in the winter diet varied directly with group size. Packs were more successful than pairs or single coyotes in catching mule deer. In contrast, the percentage of elk in the winter diet was independent of group size. Since elk were scavenged, their occurrence in the winter diet was primarily a function of the number dying within each coyote territory. Pairs and packs defended ungulate carcasses and used these clumped resources more effectively than single coyotes. I conclude that group foraging increases the feeding efficiency of coyotes in Jasper. A comparison of the present findings with the results of the other coyote studies indicates that variation in the average size of prey eaten is an important factor determining group size and structure of coyote populations.

Network analysis reveals cryptic seasonal patterns of association in Gould’s wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) roosting in bat-boxes

Behaviour ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 152 (15) ◽  
pp. 2079-2105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa N. Godinho ◽  
Linda F. Lumsden ◽  
Graeme Coulson ◽  
Stephen R. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
Temperate Zone ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Peak Activity ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
The Social ◽  
Scale Data

Tree-roosting bats are highly social mammals, which often form fission–fusion societies. However, extensive, fine scale data is required to detect and interpret these patterns. We investigated the social structure of Gould’s wattled bats, Chalinolobus gouldii, roosting in artificial roosts (bat-boxes) over a continuous 18-month period. Network analyses revealed non-random associations among individuals in the roosting population consistent with a temperate zone fission–fusion social structure. Females generally showed stronger associations with roost-mates than did males. Two distinct sub-groups within the larger roosting population were detected. There was also evidence of smaller subunits within these larger roosting groups in spring and summer, with broader mixing at other times of the year. The extensive roost occupancy data collected across all seasons was critical in defining this fine scale, and otherwise cryptic, social structure, and in particular indicating that associations observed during peak activity periods may not be maintained across the year.

The effects of woodland fragmentation and human activity on roe deer distribution in agricultural landscapes

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
A JM Hewison ◽  
J P Vincent ◽  
J Joachim ◽  
J M Angibault ◽  
B Cargnelutti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Landscape Change ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Behavioural Plasticity ◽  
Landscape Modification ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Average Group Size ◽  
Field Behaviour

Landscape structure and human activity influence the distribution and abundance of species. Landscape modifications have resulted in loss of habitat, increased isolation between remnant patches, and increased disturbance. We compare distributions and group sizes of roe deer across four open agricultural landscapes of differing structure. The roe deer, essentially a woodland species, exhibits behavioural plasticity, recently colonising the agricultural plain. Our results suggest that the switch between forest and field behaviour may involve a threshold of landscape geometry concerning woodland connectivity. Where woodland fragments are numerous and widely dispersed, roe deer retain strong links to woodland structures, probably for cover and social reasons. Where remaining woodland is clumped, with little edge, roe deer adopt an open field habit, remaining at a distance from woodland. Average winter group size increased with distance from woodland, resulting in large herds typical of field roe deer populations at the more open sites. In addition, roe deer avoided areas associated with human activity, probably because of associated disturbance, particularly where woodland cover was lacking. Finally, average group size was lower in areas where the level of human activity was high. The behavioural plasticity of this species means that landscape change may not be limiting. Therefore, to predict the effects of landscape modification, models need to incorporate variation in the animal–landscape relationship due to behavioural plasticity.

Relationships between group size, feeding time, and agonistic behavior of mountain goats

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 2501-2506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth L. Risenhoover ◽  
James A. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Alpine Tundra ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Oreamnos Americanus ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Mountain Goats ◽  
Average Group Size

Relationships between group size, intragroup spacing, movement rates, foraging behavior, and frequency of agonistic behavior of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) using alpine tundra were examined during summer. Feeding time of goats increased with group size to about 12 goats because of a reduction in time devoted to alert behavior. Rates of movement by foraging goats increased with group size, whereas rates of agonistic behavior between goats declined with increased group size. Intragroup spacing declined as group size increased. Nannies and 2-year-old goats were more aggressive than were other sex- or age-classes. Two-year-old goats, yearlings, and billies received more threatening displays than did other classes. In Colorado, nannies with kids form large nursery bands on alpine tundra. This behavior can reduce the risk of predation to individuals while allowing nannies with kids to exploit forage away from precipitous terrain. Average group size may be a useful index to forage abundance and continuity on summer goat range.

scholarly journals Living With Elephants: Evidence-Based Planning to Conserve Wild Elephants in a Megadiverse South East Asian Country

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ee Phin Wong ◽  
Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz ◽  
Natasha Zulaikha ◽  
Praveena Chackrapani ◽  
Aida Ghani Quilter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Asian Country ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
East Asian Country ◽  
The Social ◽  
Elephant Population ◽  
Thinking Process ◽  
Return Value

Theory of Change (ToC) and Social Return of Investment (SROI) are planning tools that help projects craft strategic approaches in order to create the most impact. In 2018, the Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) carried out planning exercises using these tools to develop an Asian elephant conservation project with agriculture communities. First, a problem tree was constructed together with stakeholders, with issues arranged along a cause-and-effect continuum. There were 17 main issues identified, ranging from habitat connectivity and fragmentation, to the lack of tolerance toward wild elephants. All issues ultimately stemmed from a human mindset that favors human-centric development. The stakeholders recognize the need to extend conservation efforts beyond protected areas and move toward coexistence with agriculture communities for the survival of the wild elephants. We mapped previous Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) management methods and other governmental policies in Malaysia against the problem tree, and provided an overview of the different groups of stakeholders. The ToC was developed and adapted for each entity, while including Asian elephants as a stakeholder in the project. From the SROI estimation, we extrapolated the intrinsic value of the wild Asian elephant population in Johor, Malaysia, to be conservatively worth at least MYR 7.3 million (USD 1.8 million) per year. From the overall calculations, the potential SROI value of the project is 18.96 within 5 years, meaning for every ringgit invested in the project, it generates MYR 18.96 (USD 4.74) worth of social return value. There are caveats with using these value estimations outside of the SROI context, which was thoroughly discussed. The SROI provides projects with the ability to justify to funders the social return values of its activities, which we have adapted to include the intrinsic value of an endangered megafauna. Moreover, SROI encourages projects to consider unintended impacts (i.e., replacement, displacement, and deadweight), and acknowledge contributions from stakeholders. The development of the problem tree and ToC via SROI approach, can help in clarifying priorities and encourage thinking out of the box. For this case study, we presented the thinking process, full framework and provided evidences to support the Theory of Change.

Eco-ethology of the common langur Semnopithecus entellus (Dufresne) in Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Farid Ahsan ◽  
MA Reza Khan
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food Plants ◽  
Police Station ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Vegetative Plant ◽  
Semnopithecus Entellus ◽  
Average Group ◽  
The Common ◽  
Average Group Size

Eco-ethological aspects of the common langur (Hanuman) Semnopithecus entellus (Dufresne) were studied between July and September 1981 in the rural areas of Keshabpur Police Station, Jessore, Bangladesh. Three bisexual troops were monitored for 355 hrs for determining group-size and composition, age-sex relationship, and other ecological and behavioural features. The average group-size was 13.67±0.00 in July and 14.67±1.33 in September. Of the major diurnal activities viz., rest, move, sit, social groom, self groom, play and feed, the Hanumans spent maximum time in sitting (44.32%). Dyad behaviour of the Hanumans and their relationships with other animals including man has been described. Hanumans used more than 60 species as food plants of which 43 were identified. They mostly ate vegetative plant parts (74.88%), thus indicating their folivorous nature. The welfare of the Hanumans has also been dealt with. Key words: Common langur (Hanuman), Semnopithecus entellus, ecology, ethology, Bangladesh Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol.25 2006 p.3-10

scholarly journals Status of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
JB Karki ◽  
BB Thapa
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Blue Sheep ◽  
Average Group ◽  
Hemitragus Jemlahicus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pseudois Nayaur ◽  
Himalayan Tahr ◽  
Average Group Size

A survey of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) was conducted in six blocks of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR), Nepal. A total of 852 blue sheep were recorded in 73 different groups. The average group size was found to be 11.7 individuals. The average population density of blue sheep in the reserve was found to be 1.28 animals per km2. There were 263 rams, 307 ewes, 89 yearlings and 39 lambs. Among the rams, 126 were classified as trophy rams, 92 as medium rams and 45 as young rams. The ratio of trophy rams to other rams was found to be higher than those found in the earlier studies. The mean sex ratio was 86 males per 100 females and the yearling to ewes ratio was 29 per 100 ewes. The survey of Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in Sundaha block recorded 53 individuals with 30 males, 14 females, eight yearlings, and one lamb. The results indicated that the existing quota of blue sheep hunting can be safely continued. In case of higher demands, two more quotas can be added to Barse, Dogadi and Sundaha blocks for the next five years (2008-2012). Himalayan tahrs can be hunted in all the blocks. Sundaha block can sustain four while the rest of the blocks can sustain two Himalayan tahrs per year. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9060 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 25-30

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document