Comparative ontogeny of social behaviour in three South American canids, the maned wolf, crab-eating fox and bush dog: Implications for sociality

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1983
Authors:Biben, M
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:31
Pagination:814-826
Date Published:1983
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:Canis lupus
Abstract:

Aspects of behavioural development were investigated to determine how a relatively social canid like the bush dog Speothos venaticus differs from the moderately social crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous or the relatively solitary maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus. Differences emerged that were surprising in light of conventional ideas about sociality. The behavioural repertoire of Speothos was more limited than those of the other two species and Speothos' interaction sequences were simpler, comprised fewer different elements, and were more rigidly determinate. Submissive behaviours, biting, vocalizing, and object play were prominent in Speothos. Cerdocyon and Chrysocyon interaction sequences were more like the play behaviour described for Canis species, being characterized by vigorous wrestling, frequent switching between behavioural categories, and manoeuvring to upset the partner. Although Speothos pups spent a greater percentage of their time interacting, there were no interspecific differences in the length of interaction sequences. In contrast to what has been seen in some polygamous mammals, no sex differences in behaviour were found here, indicating that in monogamous, monomorphic species with little adult social role differentiation, the young are behaviourally alike as well. Dominance hierarchies among pups were only very weakly indicated and unstable in these intact litters raised by both parents.

URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347283802383
Taxonomic name: 
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith