scholarly journals Behaviourally specific preferred associations in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops spp.

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 1566-1573 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Gero ◽  
L Bejder ◽  
H Whitehead ◽  
J Mann ◽  
R C Connor
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Behavioural State ◽  
The Social ◽  
Association Group ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Free Ranging

We investigated association patterns of 52 photographically identified, free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp. Gervais, 1855) across four behavioural states (rest, travel, social, and foraging/feeding) to investigate how behavioural state influences patterns of association. Group composition and behavioural data were extracted from 2178 encounter surveys collected over 3 years. Analyses revealed three general types of association: (1) affiliates, which consistently demonstrate preferred associations across all behavioural states; (2) acquaintances, which never form preferred associations but still associate in at least one behavioural state; and (3) behavioural associates, which form preferred associations in at least one, but not all behavioural states. The majority of associations in Shark Bay, Australia, are acquaintance type (38.2%), with affiliates (5.7%, principally between adult males) and behavioural associates (28.9%, principally between juveniles) being relatively rarer. Permutation tests identified behaviourally specific preferred associations during all behavioural states. Although behaviourally specific preferred associations appear to exist within the Shark Bay social structure, it seems that the social organization and mating system constrain the social relationships for the majority of males and females in differing ways which prevent them from having behavioural associates, leaving juveniles free to associate based on short-term expediency and behavioural specific needs.

Infant bystanders modulate the influence of ovarian hormones on female socio-sexual behaviour in free-ranging rhesus macaques

Behaviour ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 148 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 1137-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara M. Mandalaywala ◽  
James P. Higham ◽  
Michael Heistermann ◽  
Dario Maestripieri
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Social ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Free Ranging

AbstractIt has long been established that one of the driving factors underlying changes in female socio-sexual behaviour across the ovarian cycle is variation in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. However, the effect that the social environment, and specifically con-specific bystanders, exerts on social relationships is far less clear. Here we explore the modulating effects of infant bystanders on relationships between female ovarian cycling and socio-sexual behaviour in free-ranging rhesus macaques during the 6-month mating season on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. We used non-invasive hormone assessment to time ovulation in females, and analysed measures of social and sexual behaviour with respect to a 2-day ovulation window. Rates of copulation and ejaculation varied relative to ovulation, with female–male sexual interactions peaking around ovulation. Moreover, the presence of an infant bystander affected these rates, with fewer sexual interactions occurring for a given day with respect to ovulation when infant bystanders were more frequently in close proximity to the female. Other bystander categories (adult females, adult males, and adult female & infant groupings) did not have the same effect on female mating behaviour. These results suggest that mother–offspring conflict might manifest not only as direct interactions between mother and infant (e.g., weaning or carrying conflict), but also through indirect interactions.

scholarly journals The Function of Mounts in Free-Ranging Barbary Macaques (Macaca sylvanus)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Anzá ◽  
Bonaventura Majolo ◽  
Federica Amici
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Agonistic Behavior ◽  
Social Bond ◽  
Macaca Sylvanus ◽  
Barbary Macaques ◽  
The Social ◽  
Rank Difference ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractGenerally, nonreproductive sex is thought to act as “social grease,” facilitating peaceful coexistence between subjects that lack close genetic ties. However, specifc nonreproductive sexual behaviors may fulfill different functions. With this study, we aimed to test whether nonreproductive mounts in Barbary macaques are used to 1) assert dominance, 2) reinforce social relationships, and/or 3) solve conflicts. We analyzed nonreproductive mounts (N = 236) and postmount behavior in both aggressive and nonaggressive contexts, in 118 individuals belonging to two semi-free-ranging groups at La Montagne des Singes (France). As predicted by the dominance assertion hypothesis, the probability to be the mounter increased with rank difference, especially in aggressive contexts (increasing from 0.066 to 0.797 in nonaggressive contexts, and from 0.011 to 0.969 in aggressive contexts, when the rank difference was minimal vs. maximal). The strength of the social bond did not significantly predict the proportion of mounts across dyads in nonaggressive contexts, providing no support for the relationship reinforcement hypothesis. Finally, in support of the conflict resolution hypothesis, when individuals engaged in postconflict mounts, 1) the probability of being involved in further aggression decreased from 0.825 to 0.517, while 2) the probability of being involved in grooming interactions with each other increased from 0.119 to 0.606. The strength of the social bond between former opponents had no significant effect on grooming occurrence and agonistic behavior after postconflict mounts. Overall, our findings suggest that nonreproductive mounts in Barbary macaques have different functions that are not affected by the strength of the social bond.

Dispersal patterns in a regional koala population in south-east Queensland

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 281 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Dique ◽  
Jim Thompson ◽  
Harriet J. Preece ◽  
Deidré L. de Villiers ◽  
Frank N. Carrick
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Dispersal Patterns ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
The Social ◽  
Straight Line Distance ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Natal Home

Koala dispersal was investigated as part of a detailed ecological study of a nationally significant koala population located 20 km south-east of Brisbane, Queensland. From 1996 to 2000, 195 koalas from three sites were captured and fitted with radio-collars. A total of 40 koalas (23 males and 17 females) dispersed from these sites. Most (93%) dispersing individuals were 20–36 months of age. Three adult females (more than 36 months old) dispersed and no adult males dispersed during the study. A significantly higher proportion of young males dispersed than females. Dispersal occurred between June and December, with most dispersal of males commencing in July and August and that of females commencing between September and November prior to, and early in, the annual breeding season. The mean straight-line distance between the natal and breeding home ranges for males and females was similar and was measured at 3.5 km (range 1.1–9.7 km) and 3.4 km (range 0.3–10.6 km) respectively. Dispersing males and females tended to successfully disperse south and west of their natal home ranges and were generally unable to successfully disperse to urban areas within the study area, as a high proportion of the mortality of dispersing koalas was associated with attacks by domestic dogs and with collisions with vehicles on roads. Information from other studies indicates that most young koalas disperse from their natal areas. It is likely that the social behaviour and mating systems of koala populations provide mechanisms for young koalas to disperse. The potential role of dispersal in the dynamics of regional koala populations is discussed.

scholarly journals Sociality and tattoo skin disease among bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah N Powell ◽  
Megan M Wallen ◽  
Madison L Miketa ◽  
Ewa Krzyszczyk ◽  
Vivienne Foroughirad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
The Social ◽  
First Year Of Life

Abstract Social behavior is an important driver of infection dynamics, though identifying the social interactions that foster infectious disease transmission is challenging. Here we examine how social behavior impacts disease transmission in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) using an easily identifiable skin disease and social network data. We analyzed tattoo skin disease (TSD) lesions based on photographs collected as part of a 34-year longitudinal study in relation to the sociality of T. aduncus using three metrics (degree, time spent socializing, and time in groups) and network structure, using the k-test. We show that calves with TSD in the second year of life associated more with TSD-positive individuals in the first year of life compared with calves that did not have TSD. Additionally, the network k-test showed that the social network links are epidemiologically relevant for transmission. However, degree, time spent in groups, and time spent socializing were not significantly different between infected and uninfected groups. Our findings indicate that association with infected individuals is predictive of an individual’s risk for TSD and that the social association network can serve as a proxy for studying the epidemiology of skin diseases in bottlenose dolphins.

The Social Structure of Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins

1987 ◽  
pp. 247-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall S. Wells ◽  
Michael D. Scott ◽  
A. Blair Irvine
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
The Social ◽  
Free Ranging

Sex Differences in Patterns of Association Among Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphins

Behaviour ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 123 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 38-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Smolker ◽  
Andrew F. Richards ◽  
Richard C. Connor ◽  
John W. Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Reproductive State ◽  
Discrete Subgroups ◽  
Party Size ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Association Coefficients ◽  
Males And Females

AbstractPatterns of association among bottlenose dolphins resident in Shark Bay, Western Australia were analyzed using party membership data. Parties contained an average of 4.8 individuals, but party size and composition were unstable. While these temporary parties often contained both males and females, long term consistent associations generally were between members of the same sex. The highest association coefficients, resulting from very frequent co-occurrence within parties were between males and between mothers and offspring. Males formed subgroups of two or three individuals who consistently associated with each other, and these were stable over periods of at least seven years in some cases. Male subgroups preferentially associated with particular other male subgroups. Females associated most consistently with other females, although not to the same extent as some males. Female associations were better described as a network rather than discrete subgroups. Male-female associations were generally inconsistent and depended in part on female reproductive state. Mothers and their offspring associated very consistently for at least 4 years.

scholarly journals Behavioural and hormonal responses to predation in female chacma baboons ( Papio hamadryas ursinus )

2005 ◽  
Vol 273 (1587) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L Engh ◽  
Jacinta C Beehner ◽  
Thore J Bergman ◽  
Patricia L Whitten ◽  
Rebekah R Hoffmeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Papio Hamadryas ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Hormonal Responses ◽  
Female Relative ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Grooming Behaviour ◽  
Papio Hamadryas Ursinus

In humans, bereavement is associated with an increase in glucocorticoid (GC) levels, though this increase can be mitigated by social support. We examined faecal GC levels and grooming behaviour of free-ranging female baboons to determine whether similar effects were also evident in a non-human species. Females who lost a close relative experienced a significant increase in GC levels in the weeks following their relative's death compared with the weeks before, whereas control females showed no such increase. Despite the fact that females concentrate much of their grooming on close kin, females who lost a close female relative did not experience a decrease in grooming rate and number of grooming partners; instead, both grooming rate and number of grooming partners increased after a relative's death. While the death of a close relative was clearly stressful over the short term, females appeared to compensate for this loss by broadening and strengthening their grooming networks. Perhaps as a result, females' GC levels soon returned to baseline. Even in the presence of familiar troop-mates and other relatives, females experienced a stress response when they lost specific companions, and they apparently sought to alleviate it by broadening and strengthening their social relationships.

Patterns of Female Attractiveness in Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphins

Behaviour ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 133 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 37-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Mann ◽  
Andrew F. Richards ◽  
Rachel A. Smolker ◽  
Richard C. Connor
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Shark Bay ◽  
Female Attractiveness ◽  
Time Patterns ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
First Time

AbstractHormonal profiles of captive individuals show that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are seasonally polyoestrous, but little is known of reproductive behaviour among free-ranging bottlenose dolphins. In Shark Bay, Western Australia, we have documented for the first time patterns of female attractiveness that may correspond to multiple oestrous cycles. Male bottlenose dolphins in stable alliances of 2-3 individuals form temporary consortships with individual females. Consortships often are established and maintained by aggressive herding. Consortships are associated with reproduction and are a useful measure of a female's attractiveness. Following reproduction, females may become attractive to males when their surviving calf is about 2-2.5 years old or within 1-2 weeks of losing an infant. Individual females are attractive to males for variable periods extending over a number of months, both within and outside of the main breeding season. The duration of attractive periods is greater during breeding season months than during the preceding months. Males sometimes are attracted to females for periods exceeding the reported duration of rising estrogen levels during the follicular stage of the oestrous cycle. Males occasionally have consorted or otherwise been attracted to females in several unusual contexts, including late pregnancy, the first two weeks after parturition, and the day after the loss of a nursing infant. Individual females were consorted by up to 13 males during the season they conceived, supporting predictions of a promiscuous mating system in bottlenose dolphins. Thus, consorting is a strategy by males to monopolize females, but not a completely successful one. Multiple cycling by female bottlenose dolphins may be a strategy to avoid being monopolized by particular males. Given the duration and agonistic nature of many consortships, the benefits to females of such a costly strategy are not obvious. Multiple cycling may reduce the risk of infanticide by males or allow females to mate with preferred males after being monopolized by less desirable males.

scholarly journals The importance of delineating networks by activity type in bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in Cedar Key, Florida

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 140263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Gazda ◽  
Swami Iyer ◽  
Timothy Killingback ◽  
Richard Connor ◽  
Solange Brault
Keyword(s):  
Tursiops Truncatus ◽  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
Spatial Association ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Activity Type ◽  
Behavioural State ◽  
Activity Networks ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
The Social ◽  
Large Groups

Network analysis has proved to be a valuable tool for studying the behavioural patterns of complex social animals. Often such studies either do not distinguish between different behavioural states of the organisms or simply focus attention on a single behavioural state to the exclusion of all others. In either of these approaches it is impossible to ascertain how the behavioural patterns of individuals depend on the type of activity they are engaged in. Here we report on a network-based analysis of the behavioural associations in a population of bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in Cedar Key, Florida. We consider three distinct behavioural states—socializing, travelling and foraging—and analyse the association networks corresponding to each activity. Moreover, in constructing the different activity networks we do not simply record a spatial association between two individuals as being either present or absent, but rather quantify the degree of any association, thus allowing us to construct weighted networks describing each activity. The results of these weighted activity networks indicate that networks can reveal detailed patterns of bottlenose dolphins at the population level; dolphins socialize in large groups with preferential associations; travel in small groups with preferential associates; and spread out to forage in very small, weakly connected groups. There is some overlap in the socialize and travel networks but little overlap between the forage and other networks. This indicates that the social bonds maintained in other activities are less important as they forage on dispersed, solitary prey. The overall network, not sorted by activity, does not accurately represent any of these patterns.

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