Puma communication behaviours: understanding functional use and variation among sex and age classes

Behaviour ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 819-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian L. Allen ◽  
Heiko U. Wittmer ◽  
Christopher C. Wilmers
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Strategy ◽  
Mate Selection ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Territorial Defence ◽  
Video Cameras ◽  
Intraspecific Communication ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Communication Behaviours

Intraspecific communication for mate selection sometimes varies between sexes based on different evolutionary life history patterns. Solitary felids use communication for territorial defence and location of mates, for which they use scent-marking behaviours including scraping, urine spraying, body rubbing, caterwauling, cheek rubbing, and the flehmen response, but these behaviours are not well understood in pumas (Puma concolor). We used motion-triggered video cameras to document the use of communication behaviours by male and female pumas, and used a series of experimental treatments to determine the mechanisms and importance of visual and olfactory cues in puma scrapes. We found that pumas use the physical scrape to locate communications, and then use urine to convey and interpret the communication itself. We also found significant differences among puma age and sex classes in the proportion of use and duration of time behaviours were displayed. Mature males spent significantly longer durations () on producing behaviours (scraping, body rubbing, and caterwauling behaviours) than mature females (), and males used scraping (78.5%) and body rubbing (12.4%) behaviours at a higher proportion of visits than females (13.6 and 2.7%, respectively). Mature females spent significantly longer durations () on consuming behaviours (investigating and flehmen response behaviours) than mature males (), and females used flehmen response (30.6%) and caterwauling (9.3%) behaviours at a higher proportion of visits than mature males (6.5% flehmen and 0.4% caterwauling). Male reproductive strategy appears based on advertisement for possible mates, while female reproductive strategy appears based on assessment of possible mates. The use of communication behaviours also appears to develop with age, as immature pumas rarely visited and acted as non-participants in communication behaviours.

scholarly journals Scent marking in Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi): Novel observations close a key gap in understanding felid communication behaviours

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Allen ◽  
Heiko Wittmer ◽  
E Setiawan ◽  
S Jaffe ◽  
AJ Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Scent Marking ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Video Cameras ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Intraspecific Communication ◽  
Communication Behaviours ◽  
Felid Species

© 2016 Author(s). Intraspecific communication is integral to the behavioural ecology of solitary carnivores, but observing and quantifying their communication behaviours in natural environments is difficult. Our systematic literature review found that basic information on scent marking is completely lacking for 23% of all felid species, and information on 21% of other felid species comes solely from one study of captive animals. Here we present results of the first systematic investigation of the scent marking behaviours of Sunda clouded leopards in the wild. Our observations using motion-triggered video cameras in Indonesian Borneo are novel for clouded leopards, and contrary to previous descriptions of their behaviour. We found that clouded leopards displayed 10 distinct communication behaviours, with olfaction, scraping, and cheek rubbing the most frequently recorded. We also showed that males make repeated visits to areas they previously used for marking and that multiple males advertise and receive information at the same sites, potentially enhancing our ability to document and monitor clouded leopard populations. The behaviours we recorded are remarkably similar to those described in other solitary felids, despite tremendous variation in the environments they inhabit, and close a key gap in understanding and interpreting communication behaviours of clouded leopards and other solitary felids.

scholarly journals Scent marking in Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi): Novel observations close a key gap in understanding felid communication behaviours

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Allen ◽  
Heiko Wittmer ◽  
E Setiawan ◽  
S Jaffe ◽  
AJ Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Scent Marking ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Video Cameras ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Intraspecific Communication ◽  
Communication Behaviours ◽  
Felid Species

© 2016 Author(s). Intraspecific communication is integral to the behavioural ecology of solitary carnivores, but observing and quantifying their communication behaviours in natural environments is difficult. Our systematic literature review found that basic information on scent marking is completely lacking for 23% of all felid species, and information on 21% of other felid species comes solely from one study of captive animals. Here we present results of the first systematic investigation of the scent marking behaviours of Sunda clouded leopards in the wild. Our observations using motion-triggered video cameras in Indonesian Borneo are novel for clouded leopards, and contrary to previous descriptions of their behaviour. We found that clouded leopards displayed 10 distinct communication behaviours, with olfaction, scraping, and cheek rubbing the most frequently recorded. We also showed that males make repeated visits to areas they previously used for marking and that multiple males advertise and receive information at the same sites, potentially enhancing our ability to document and monitor clouded leopard populations. The behaviours we recorded are remarkably similar to those described in other solitary felids, despite tremendous variation in the environments they inhabit, and close a key gap in understanding and interpreting communication behaviours of clouded leopards and other solitary felids.

scholarly journals Exploring the Adaptive Significance of Five Types of Puma (Puma concolor) Vocalizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
pp. 289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian L Allen ◽  
Yiwei Wang ◽  
Christopher C Wilmers
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Adaptive Significance ◽  
Alarm Calls ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Video Cameras ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Indirect Cues ◽  
Limit Detection

Communication is a central component of animal behaviour, yet communicative behaviours are poorly studied due to their complexity and varied functions. Pumas (Puma concolor) are wide-ranging, solitary felids that primarily use indirect cues (e.g., scent marking) for communication. Because these cryptic carnivores are rarely observed directly, little is known about their vocalizations in the wild. We recorded a variety of Puma vocalizations among females and family groups using motion-triggered video cameras and then attempted to understand the function of each vocalization. We found two categories of vocalizations: 1) attention-attracting (caterwauling and mewing), and 2) calls (contact, agitated, and alarm). Vocalizations to attract attention ranged across broad frequencies. Contact, agitated, and alarm calls are narrow-frequency vocalizations that varied in intensity and were used to communicate with nearby conspecifics. Vocal communication entails risk, and while some Puma vocalizations may provide benefits that outweigh their risk, others are structured to limit detection and risk. These observations highlight the importance of the structure of vocalizations used during different behaviours to understand their adaptive significance.

scholarly journals The Role of Scent Marking in Mate Selection by Female Pumas (Puma concolor)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e0139087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian L. Allen ◽  
Heiko U. Wittmer ◽  
Paul Houghtaling ◽  
Justine Smith ◽  
L. Mark Elbroch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mate Selection ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Scent Marking

Ontogeny of scent marking behaviours in an apex carnivore

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Maximilian L. Allen ◽  
Heiko U. Wittmer ◽  
Emmarie P. Alexander ◽  
Christopher C. Wilmers
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Scent Mark ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Communication Behaviours ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Puma (Puma concolor) communication with conspecifics is via indirect scent marking behaviours that are important for individuals to advertise their territory and reproductive status, but little is known about how the behaviours develop with age. To examine the development of scent marking behaviours, we monitored the behaviours of adult pumas and dependent kittens. Based on video recordings, we found that the frequency of puma communication behaviours significantly changed over time. Kittens exhibited olfactory investigation more frequently as they aged, but kittens generally did not exhibit scent marking behaviours. Kittens travel with their mothers until they disperse, so there is no need to establish territories or advertise availability to mate, but kittens are at risk of injury or mortality from other pumas. It is possible that there is no functional need for dependent kittens to scent mark until they mature, but there is a need for frequent use of investigative behaviours.

SCENT MARKING IN MEADOW VOLES AND PRAIRIE VOLES: A TEST OF THREE HYPOTHESES

Behaviour ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 138 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1319-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.G. Mech ◽  
M.H. Ferkin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Avoidance Response ◽  
Mating Systems ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Scent Mark ◽  
Scent Marks ◽  
Prairie Voles ◽  
Meadow Voles ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Marking Behaviour

AbstractMost terrestrial mammals deposit scent marks to communicate with conspecifics. We examined the scent marking behaviour of meadow voles and prairie voles, species with different mating systems and social organizations, to determine whether voles scent mark according to the 'targeting' response, the 'avoidance' response, or the 'shotgun' response. The targeting response occurs when the second scent donor deposits more of its scent marks in an area marked by the first scent donor than in an unscented area. The avoidance response occurs when the second scent donor deposits more of its scent marks in an unscented area than in an area marked by the first scent donor. The shotgun response occurs when the second scent donor deposits a similar number of its scent marks in an area containing scent marks of a conspecific and in an area containing no conspecific scent marks. We allowed voles simultaneous access to an arena containing two arms: one of the arms was scented by a conspecific and the other arm was unscented. We recorded the number of marks deposited by the voles in each arm and the amount of time they spent investigating marks deposited previously in the scented arm. Our data provide no support for the avoidance response, but provide support for the shotgun response and the target response. Species and sex differences in the scent marking behaviours of voles when they encounter the scent marks of conspecifics are discussed within the framework that scent marking responses depend on the voles' social organization and mating system, and that these responses may reflect the tactics males and females use to attract mates and compete with same-sex conspecifics.

scholarly journals Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite in the diet and its relationship to the apparent digestibility of nutrients and urinary pH in adult dogs

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1456-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Paulo Fernandes Santos ◽  
Flavia Maria de Oliveira Borges Saad ◽  
Rosana Claudio Silva Ogoshi ◽  
Jéssica Santana dos Reis ◽  
Livia Geraldi Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fat ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Urinary Ph ◽  
Yucca Schidigera ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Experimental Treatments

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) added to the diets for dogs and its effect on apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of diet components (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid hydrolyzed fat, and energy) and urinary pH. Twenty-one adult Beagles, males and females, body weight mean of 12.5±1.5kg and four and a half years old, distributed in a completely randomized design with seven replicates per treatment within three experimental treatments: control (no addition of Yucca schidigera and zeolite), Yucca schidigera (375ppm) and zeolite (1%), administered in the encapsulated form of the supplement. The ADC of diet components and urinary pH were not affected by the inclusion of additives (P>0.05), except the ADC acid hydrolyzed fat showed reduction with Yucca schidigera supplementation compared to the other treatments (P<0.05). The addition of 375ppm of Yucca schidigera extract reduced the digestibility of dietary fat by dogs and both Yucca schidigera extract and zeolite did not affect the urinary pH of dogs.

The Breeding Biology of a Tropical Possum, Trichosurus-Vulpecula-Arnhemensis (Phalangeridae, Marsupialia)

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 653 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Kerle ◽  
CJ Howe
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Strategy ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Reproductive Cycles ◽  
Stable Habitat

The breeding biology of Trichosurus vulpecula has been studied in some detail for temperate populations but not for the northern brushtail possum (T. v. arnhemensis), the tropical form of this species. Data for the distribution of births and sex ratio of the young, growth and development of the young and reproductive cycles of both males and females were obtained. Most data were collected from a captive breeding colony of northern brushtails and supplemented with data from wild populations. The reproduction, growth and development of T. v. arnhemensis are very similar to those already described for other populations of T vulpecula. The observed differences can be explained by variation in the size of the animals and the absence of a restricted breeding season. Neither males nor females showed any periodicity in their reproductive strategy. This continuous breeding cycle can be attributed directly to their tropical environment. These tropical possums occupy a stable habitat, mature early and have a higher reproductive effort than populations in more seasonal and unpredictable environments. This suggests that the northern brushtail has a stochastic or 'bet-hedging' reproductive strategy.

scholarly journals Genetic consequences of sex-biased dispersal in a solitary carnivore: Yellowstone cougars

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Biek ◽  
Naomi Akamine ◽  
Michael K Schwartz ◽  
Toni K Ruth ◽  
Kerry M Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Female Dispersal ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Genetic Contributions ◽  
Solitary Species

Male-biased dispersal is a common trait in mammals, including carnivores, but its genetic consequences at the population level have been rarely considered for solitary species. We used long-term genetic data from cougars ( Puma concolor ) in and around Yellowstone National Park to test predictions based on differences in dispersal behaviour among males and females. Consistent with frequent long-distance dispersal of males, we found support for our prediction of less than expected allele sharing in pair-wise comparisons. In contrast, female residents present at the same time and females separated by few generations failed to share more alleles than expected, contrary to our predictions based on limited female dispersal. However, we find that genetic contributions of females with higher reproductive success were still noticeable in subsequent generations, consistent with female offspring showing fidelity to their natal area. These results highlight the importance of male dispersal for inbreeding avoidance, but do not indicate that short-distance dispersal or philopatry in female cougars results in spatial clustering of related individuals.

Scent marking and territorial defence in male bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 060606025751030-??? ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wronski ◽  
A. Apio ◽  
J. Baranga ◽  
M. Plath
Keyword(s):  
Scent Marking ◽  
Territorial Defence
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