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T H Cluttonbrock - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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territoriality and home range dynamics in meerkats Suricata suricatta a mechanistic modelling approach
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2015Co-Authors: T H Cluttonbrock, Marta B Manser, Andrew W Bateman, Mark A Lewis, Gabriella E C GallAbstract:Summary Multiple approaches exist to model patterns of space use across species, among them resource selection analysis, statistical home-range modelling and mechanistic movement modelling. Mechanistic home-range models combine the benefits of these approaches, describing emergent territorial patterns based on fine-scale individual- or group-movement rules and incorporating interactions with neighbours and the environment. These models have not, to date, been extended to dynamic contexts. Using mechanistic home-range models, we explore meerkat (Suricata suricatta) territorial patterns, considering scent marking, direct group interactions and habitat selection. We also extend the models to accommodate dynamic aspects of meerkat territoriality (territory development and territory shift). We fit models, representing multiple working hypotheses, to data from a long-term meerkat study in South Africa, and we compare models using Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria. Our results identify important features of meerkat territorial patterns. Notably, larger groups do not seem to control larger territories, and groups apparently prefer dune edges along a dry river bed. Our model extensions capture instances in which 1) a newly formed group interacts more strongly with its parent groups over time and 2) a group moves its territory core out of aversive habitat. This extends our mechanistic modelling framework in previously unexplored directions.
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social structure mediates environmental effects on group size in an obligate cooperative breeder Suricata suricatta
Ecology, 2013Co-Authors: Andrew W Bateman, Arpat Ozgul, Tim Coulson, Johanna F Nielsen, T H CluttonbrockAbstract:Population dynamics in group-living species can be strongly affected both by features of sociality per se and by resultant population structure. To develop a mechanistic understanding of population dynamics in highly social species we need to investigate how processes within groups, processes linking groups, and external drivers act and interact to produce observed patterns. We model social group dynamics in cooperatively breeding meerkats, Suricata suricatta, paying attention to local demographic as well as dispersal processes. We use generalized additive models to describe the influence of group size, population density, and environmental conditions on demographic rates for each sex and stage, and we combine these models into predictive and individual-based simulation models of group dynamics. Short-term predictions of expected group size and simulated group trajectories over the longer term agree well with observations. Group dynamics are characterized by slow increases during the breeding season and relatively sharp declines during the pre-breeding season, particularly after dry years. We examine the demographic mechanisms responsible for environmental dependence. While individuals appear more prone to emigrate after dry years, seasons of low rainfall also cause reductions in reproductive output that produce adult-biased age distributions in the following dispersal season. Adult subordinates are much more likely to disperse or be evicted than immature individuals, and demographic structure thus contributes to crashes in group size. Our results demonstrate the role of social structure in characterizing a population's response to environmental variation. We discuss the implications of our findings for the population dynamics of cooperative breeders and population dynamics generally.
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density dependence in group dynamics of a highly social mongoose Suricata suricatta
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2012Co-Authors: Andrew W Bateman, Arpat Ozgul, Tim Coulson, T H CluttonbrockAbstract:Summary 1. For social species, the link between individual behaviour and population dynamics is mediated by group-level demography. 2. Populations of obligate cooperative breeders are structured into social groups, which may be subject to inverse density dependence (Allee effects) that result from a dependence on conspecific helpers, but evidence for population-wide Allee effects is rare. 3. We use field data from a long-term study of cooperative meerkats (Suricata suricatta; Schreber, 1776) – a species for which local Allee effects are not reflected in population-level dynamics – to empirically model interannual group dynamics. 4. Using phenomenological population models, modified to incorporate environmental conditions and potential Allee effects, we first investigate overall patterns of group dynamics and find support only for conventional density dependence that increases after years of low rainfall. 5. To explain the observed patterns, we examine specific demographic rates and assess their contributions to overall group dynamics. Although per-capita meerkat mortality is subject to a component Allee effect, it contributes relatively little to observed variation in group dynamics, and other (conventionally density dependent) demographic rates – especially emigration – govern group dynamics. 6. Our findings highlight the need to consider demographic processes and density dependence in subpopulations before drawing conclusions about how behaviour affects population processes in socially complex systems.
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consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour in meerkats Suricata suricatta
Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Sinead English, Shinichi Nakagawa, T H CluttonbrockAbstract:Although recent models for the evolution of personality, using game theory and life-history theory, predict that individuals should differ consistently in their cooperative behaviour, consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour have rarely been documented. In this study, we used a long-term data set on wild meerkats to quantify the repeatability of two types of cooperative care (babysitting and provisioning) within individuals and examined how repeatability varied across age, sex and status categories. Contributions to babysitting and provisioning were significantly repeatable and positively correlated within individuals, with provisioning more repeatable than babysitting. While repeatability of provisioning was relatively invariant across categories of individuals, repeatability of babysitting increased with age and was higher for subordinates than dominants. These results provide support for theoretical predictions that life-history trade-offs favour the evolution of consistent individual differences in cooperative behaviour and raise questions about why some individuals consistently help more than others across a suite of cooperative behaviours.
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ontogenetic changes in alarm call production and usage in meerkats Suricata suricatta adaptations or constraints
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2008Co-Authors: Linda I Hollen, T H Cluttonbrock, Marta B ManserAbstract:In many species, individuals suffer major mortality in their first year because of predation. Behaviours that facilitate successful escape are therefore under strong selection, but anti-predator skills often emerge gradually during an individual’s early development. Using long-term data and acoustic recordings of alarm calls collected during natural predator encounters, we aimed to elucidate two largely unsolved issues in anti-predator ontogeny: (1) whether incorrect predator assignment is adaptively age-appropriate, given that vulnerability often changes during development, or whether age-related differences reflect true mistakes made by immature individuals; and (2) the extent to which the development of adult-like competence in alarm-call production and usage is simply a function of maturational processes or dependent upon experience. We found that young meerkats (Suricata suricatta) were less likely to give alarm calls than adults, but alarmed more in response to non-threatening species compared to adults. However, stimuli that pose a greater threat to young than adults did not elicit more calling from young; this argues against age-related changes in vulnerability as the sole explanation for developmental changes in calling. Young in small groups, who were more likely to watch out for predators, alarmed more than less vigilant young in larger groups. Moreover, despite similarities in acoustic structure between alarm call types, calls appeared in the repertoire at different rates, and those that were associated with frequently encountered predators were produced relatively early on. These results indicate that experience is a more plausible explanation for such developmental trajectories than maturation.
Marta B Manser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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meerkats Suricata suricatta a new definitive host of the canid nematode angiostrongylus vasorum
International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife, 2017Co-Authors: Nina Gillisgermitsch, Marta B Manser, Monika Hilbe, Manuela SchnyderAbstract:Abstract Angiostronglyus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary nematode infecting mainly canids such as dogs (Canis familiaris) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Natural infections have also been reported in mustelids and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens). We report the occurrence of natural A. vasorum infections in a group of captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta), housed at a university facility in Switzerland. A. vasorum first-stage larvae (L1) were initially identified in a pooled faecal sample. Individual samples, investigated with the Baermann-Wetzel technique, revealed that 41% (7/17) of the meerkats were infected, with ranges of 2–125 L1/g faeces. PCR and sequencing of part of the ITS-2 region resulted in 100% identity with A. vasorum. Infected animals did not show clinical signs. One meerkat died two days after diagnosis. Upon necropsy one adult specimen was recovered; histological examination of the lung revealed granulomatous pneumonia caused by A. vasorum larvae and eggs as well as intima and media hyperplasia and isolated arteriosclerosis of larger lung vessels. However, the cause of death was a spleen rupture with associated blood loss. All meerkats were topically treated with 10 mg imidacloprid/2.5 mg moxidectin per animal, after which they became negative in all follow up faecal examinations. Potential intermediate (gastropods) and paratenic hosts (birds) were collected from within or outside the meerkats enclosure. Gastropods were examined by PCR and bird samples by digestion. Four out of 193 (2.1%) gastropod samples were positive for A. vasorum, whereas none of the bird samples were positive. Meerkats, belonging to the Herpestidae, therefore are suitable definitive hosts for A. vasorum, with production and excretion of live L1. Meerkats kept in captivity in areas where A. vasorum is endemic and with potential contact to intermediate hosts are at risk of infection. Regular faecal examinations including Baermann-Wetzel technique should be considered.
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Life history patterns and biology of the slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea) in the Kalahari Desert
Journal of Mammalogy, 2016Co-Authors: Beke Graw, Marta B ManserAbstract:The mongoose family (Herpestidae) has provided a wealth of data on life history patterns and behavior of its more social species but little is known about the many solitary mongoose species. Here, we provide the 1st long-term data on life history patterns and the biology of the solitary slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea) in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa. Slender mongooses are strictly diurnal, solitary foragers, opportunistically hunting vertebrates and invertebrates. Life history patterns, such as a prolonged period of offspring dependence, including age at 1st emergence, at 1st foraging, and at weaning, compared to social meerkats (Suricata suricatta), seem to be an adaptation to their mainly solitary life style.
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Call concatenation in non-primate mammals
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2016Co-Authors: Marta B ManserAbstract:Animals produce a variety of call sequences, from simple repetitions of the same acoustic unit to the combination of different, meaningful acoustic units resulting in a new meaning. On the example of several highly vocal mongoose species, including meerkats (Suricata suricatta), and banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) I identify the composition of different acoustic combinations and relate them to their function and meaning. I discuss this in regards to the underlying cognitive mechanisms and the differences and similarities in relation to other combinatorial communication systems in birds, but particularly shown for primates, and also to human language.
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territoriality and home range dynamics in meerkats Suricata suricatta a mechanistic modelling approach
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2015Co-Authors: T H Cluttonbrock, Marta B Manser, Andrew W Bateman, Mark A Lewis, Gabriella E C GallAbstract:Summary Multiple approaches exist to model patterns of space use across species, among them resource selection analysis, statistical home-range modelling and mechanistic movement modelling. Mechanistic home-range models combine the benefits of these approaches, describing emergent territorial patterns based on fine-scale individual- or group-movement rules and incorporating interactions with neighbours and the environment. These models have not, to date, been extended to dynamic contexts. Using mechanistic home-range models, we explore meerkat (Suricata suricatta) territorial patterns, considering scent marking, direct group interactions and habitat selection. We also extend the models to accommodate dynamic aspects of meerkat territoriality (territory development and territory shift). We fit models, representing multiple working hypotheses, to data from a long-term meerkat study in South Africa, and we compare models using Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria. Our results identify important features of meerkat territorial patterns. Notably, larger groups do not seem to control larger territories, and groups apparently prefer dune edges along a dry river bed. Our model extensions capture instances in which 1) a newly formed group interacts more strongly with its parent groups over time and 2) a group moves its territory core out of aversive habitat. This extends our mechanistic modelling framework in previously unexplored directions.
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Territoriality and home‐range dynamics in meerkats, Suricata suricatta: a mechanistic modelling approach
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2014Co-Authors: Andrew W Bateman, Marta B Manser, Mark A Lewis, Gabriella E C Gall, Tim H. Clutton-brockAbstract:Summary Multiple approaches exist to model patterns of space use across species, among them resource selection analysis, statistical home-range modelling and mechanistic movement modelling. Mechanistic home-range models combine the benefits of these approaches, describing emergent territorial patterns based on fine-scale individual- or group-movement rules and incorporating interactions with neighbours and the environment. These models have not, to date, been extended to dynamic contexts. Using mechanistic home-range models, we explore meerkat (Suricata suricatta) territorial patterns, considering scent marking, direct group interactions and habitat selection. We also extend the models to accommodate dynamic aspects of meerkat territoriality (territory development and territory shift). We fit models, representing multiple working hypotheses, to data from a long-term meerkat study in South Africa, and we compare models using Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria. Our results identify important features of meerkat territorial patterns. Notably, larger groups do not seem to control larger territories, and groups apparently prefer dune edges along a dry river bed. Our model extensions capture instances in which 1) a newly formed group interacts more strongly with its parent groups over time and 2) a group moves its territory core out of aversive habitat. This extends our mechanistic modelling framework in previously unexplored directions.
David W Macdonald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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co operative rearing by slender tailed meerkats Suricata suricatta in the southern kalahari
Ethology, 1999Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, are small, gregarious and largely insectivorous mongooses which inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa. We describe four elements of co-operative rearing of the young: 1. babysitting at the den; 2. creching on foraging trips; 3. provisioning with prey items away from the den; and 4. allonursing, including spontaneous lactation. Individual band members differed markedly in contributions to co-operative rearing. All adults and yearlings guarded the den and helpers actively defended young against predators. Breeders babysat significantly less than did non-breeding adults. Differences in age–sex class contributions were also evident in creching behaviour. The feeding of kittens by provisioners extended from soon after their first emergence from the den at 2–3 wk of age to effective foraging independence at 10–12 wk. Breeding females initially contributed little care other than nursing. Allonursing occurred in six of 25 closely observed litters, including three incidents of spontaneous lactation when subordinates nursed the young of higher-ranking females. Such co-operation is likely to be critical to the survival of these highly sociable mongooses in a semi-arid environment such as the Kalahari where food availability can fluctuate enormously.
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Co‐operative Rearing by Slender‐tailed Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in the Southern Kalahari
Ethology, 1999Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, are small, gregarious and largely insectivorous mongooses which inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa. We describe four elements of co-operative rearing of the young: 1. babysitting at the den; 2. creching on foraging trips; 3. provisioning with prey items away from the den; and 4. allonursing, including spontaneous lactation. Individual band members differed markedly in contributions to co-operative rearing. All adults and yearlings guarded the den and helpers actively defended young against predators. Breeders babysat significantly less than did non-breeding adults. Differences in age–sex class contributions were also evident in creching behaviour. The feeding of kittens by provisioners extended from soon after their first emergence from the den at 2–3 wk of age to effective foraging independence at 10–12 wk. Breeding females initially contributed little care other than nursing. Allonursing occurred in six of 25 closely observed litters, including three incidents of spontaneous lactation when subordinates nursed the young of higher-ranking females. Such co-operation is likely to be critical to the survival of these highly sociable mongooses in a semi-arid environment such as the Kalahari where food availability can fluctuate enormously.
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band structure and failures of reproductive suppression in a cooperatively breeding carnivore the slender tailed meerkat Suricata suricatta
Behaviour, 1997Co-Authors: David W Macdonald, Sean P DoolanAbstract:The extent to which band structure influences the distribution of breeding activity is unknown for the slender-tailed meerkat Suricata suricatta, a cooperatively breeding mongoose. Here we present the residence histories of three focal bands monitored over ten band-years in the southwestern Kalahari, with less detailed data derived from non-focal bands for a further 20 band-years. Mean total band size early in the breeding season was 10, and mean size excluding juveniles was 6.7. Despite a tendency towards females among juveniles, and males among yearlings and adults, sex ratios within each age class did not significantly deviate from unity, but at the population level there were significantly more adult males than reproductive females. A large proportion (71.6%) of adult females bred, and failures of reproductive suppression occurred in 40% of band years. This incidence was high in all years and was not obviously related to environmental conditions. Bands with more than one reproductive female contained significantly more adults and adult females than bands with only a single reproductive female. There was a strong correlation between numbers of reproductive females and numbers of adult females in a band. Most (68%) subordinate females which bred were aged three years or more. Reproductive competition was strong and there was a negative correlation between numbers of adult females, breeding females or adult males and per capita juvenile production. Meerkat bands are unusual among cooperative breeders because many individuals were non-kin and the relative constancy in band size within and between years masked a high turnover of membership: all animals of known origin aged three years or older, were immigrants, although philopatry was commoner among younger animals. Our data show that meerkats employ a range of reproductive strategies: bands exhibiting a spectrum of reproductive suppression coexist, and individuals respond to the opportunities afforded by their social environments.
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dispersal and extra territorial prospecting by slender tailed meerkats Suricata suricatta in the south western kalahari
Journal of Zoology, 1996Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Dispersal in slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, in the south-western Kalahari occurred mainly during the early breeding season, and was age- and sex-dependent. Among yearlings, more males than females were immigrants, but more females than males disappeared. There were no sex differences in dispersal among two-year-olds, but among animals aged three years or older, more males than females emigrated. Most dispersers moved into adjacent bands or joined other transients, and females apparently suffered higher rates of mortality than males. Kinship with the same-sex or opposite-sex breeder had no discernible effect on the likelihood of dispersing. Both males and females made prospecting forays to other groups, apparently to assess dispersal and breeding opportunities. Males made frequent and repeated forays, often in coalitions with other band members or transients, whereas prospecting by females was generally solitary, and they were not known to make multiple forays. Prospecting males successfully took over dominance of two bands, and attempted to take over bands on three other occasions. Animals attempting to join or follow a band (trailers) behaved submissively and were readily chased by residents, whereas those attempting a dominance takeover (invaders) scent-marked at a high rate and showed no submissive behaviours. Dispersing meerkats maximized reproductive success by increasing their mating opportunities, while animals which delayed dispersal received indirect benefits by helping to raise kin.
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diet and foraging behaviour of group living meerkats Suricata suricatta in the southern kalahari
Journal of Zoology, 1996Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small, diurnal, and gregarious mongooses which inhabit the semi-arid regions of southern Africa. In the south-western Kalahari, substantial fluctuations in productivity are caused by extreme seasonality in rainfall and temperatures. We observed the foraging behaviour of habituated meerkats from January to July, a period covering the entire birth season and stages of high and low prey availability. Insects were the most frequently occurring prey class (78.1%), of which larvae (33.4% total frequency) and adult Coleoptera (27.5% total frequency) were the most important prey items throughout the year. Reptiles were heavily utilized in terms of prey bulk-an index of volume-(19.9%), but not by frequency (9.2%). Consumption of Coleoptera was positively correlated with rainfall, and negatively with temperature. Meerkats used a mean of 6.7 ± 1.1 prey categories daily, and there were significant monthly differences in prey diversity in the diet. Dietary shifts were apparently related to fluctuations in prey availability and the presence of preferred prey. There were no differences between the sexes in dietary diversity or niche breadth, but pregnant and lactating females foraged at significantly higher rates than males. The timing of foraging activity altered over the months in response to changes in daylength and thermoregulatory constraints. Foraging behaviour and seasonality in foraging effort are described, and the implications of an insect prey base for meerkat socioecology are discussed.
Tim H. Clutton-brock - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The determinants of dominance relationships among subordinate females in the cooperatively breeding meerkat
Behaviour, 2020Co-Authors: Natan K. Thavarajah, M. Fenkes, Tim H. Clutton-brockAbstract:In cooperatively breeding species with high reproductive skew, a single breeding female is dominant to all other group members, but it is not yet known if there are consistent dominance relationships among subordinates. In this study on meerkats (Suricata suricatta), we used naturally observed dominance assertions and submissive interactions within dyads of subordinate females to investigate: (i) whether or not a dominance structure exists among them and what factors influence dominance relationships; and (ii) how dominance may influence the future reproductive success of subordinate females. Our study indicates that superiority in age and weight provide a competitive advantage during conflicts among subordinate females and that females who consistently dominate in these contests are subsequently more likely to attain a dominant breeding position. This provides a starting point for further investigations into dominance structure among subordinates in meerkat societies and other cooperative breeders.
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The evolution of indiscriminate altruism in a cooperatively breeding mammal
The American Naturalist, 2019Co-Authors: Chris Duncan, D Gaynor, Tim H. Clutton-brock, Mark DybleAbstract:AbstractKin selection theory suggests that altruistic behaviors can increase the fitness of altruists when recipients are genetic relatives. Although selection can favor the ability of organisms to preferentially cooperate with close kin, indiscriminately helping all group mates may yield comparable fitness returns if relatedness within groups is very high. Here, we show that meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are largely indiscriminate altruists who do not alter the amount of help provided to pups or group mates in response to their relatedness to them. We present a model showing that indiscriminate altruism may yield greater fitness payoffs than kin discrimination where most group members are close relatives and errors occur in the estimation of relatedness. The presence of errors in the estimation of relatedness provides a feasible explanation for associations between kin discriminative helping and group relatedness in eusocial and cooperatively breeding animals.
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Territoriality and home‐range dynamics in meerkats, Suricata suricatta: a mechanistic modelling approach
Journal of Animal Ecology, 2014Co-Authors: Andrew W Bateman, Marta B Manser, Mark A Lewis, Gabriella E C Gall, Tim H. Clutton-brockAbstract:Summary Multiple approaches exist to model patterns of space use across species, among them resource selection analysis, statistical home-range modelling and mechanistic movement modelling. Mechanistic home-range models combine the benefits of these approaches, describing emergent territorial patterns based on fine-scale individual- or group-movement rules and incorporating interactions with neighbours and the environment. These models have not, to date, been extended to dynamic contexts. Using mechanistic home-range models, we explore meerkat (Suricata suricatta) territorial patterns, considering scent marking, direct group interactions and habitat selection. We also extend the models to accommodate dynamic aspects of meerkat territoriality (territory development and territory shift). We fit models, representing multiple working hypotheses, to data from a long-term meerkat study in South Africa, and we compare models using Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria. Our results identify important features of meerkat territorial patterns. Notably, larger groups do not seem to control larger territories, and groups apparently prefer dune edges along a dry river bed. Our model extensions capture instances in which 1) a newly formed group interacts more strongly with its parent groups over time and 2) a group moves its territory core out of aversive habitat. This extends our mechanistic modelling framework in previously unexplored directions.
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Suppressing subordinate reproduction provides benefits to dominants in cooperative societies of meerkats
Nature Communications, 2014Co-Authors: Matthew B V Bell, Natan K. Thavarajah, Michael A. Cant, Christèle Borgeaud, J. Samson, Tim H. Clutton-brockAbstract:In many animal societies, a small proportion of dominant females monopolize reproduction by actively suppressing subordinates. Theory assumes that this is because subordinate reproduction depresses the fitness of dominants, yet the effect of subordinate reproduction on dominant behaviour and reproductive success has never been directly assessed. Here, we describe the consequences of experimentally preventing subordinate breeding in 12 groups of wild meerkats (Suricata suricatta) for three breeding attempts, using contraceptive injections. When subordinates are prevented from breeding, dominants are less aggressive towards subordinates and evict them less often, leading to a higher ratio of helpers to dependent pups, and increased provisioning of the dominant’s pups by subordinate females. When subordinate breeding is suppressed, dominants also show improved foraging efficiency, gain more weight during pregnancy and produce heavier pups, which grow faster. These results confirm the benefits of suppression to dominants, and help explain the evolution of singular breeding in vertebrate societies.
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Mating strategies in dominant meerkats: evidence for extra-pair paternity in relation to genetic relatedness between pair mates
Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 2013Co-Authors: Sarah Leclaire, Johanna F Nielsen, Stuart P. Sharp, Tim H. Clutton-brockAbstract:Rates of extra-pair paternity (EPP) have frequently been associated with genetic relatedness between social mates in socially monogamous birds. However, evidence is limited in mammals. Here, we investigate whether dominant females use divorce or extra-pair paternity as a strategy to avoid the negative effects of inbreeding when paired with a related male in meerkats Suricata suricatta, a species where inbreeding depression is evident for several traits. We show that dominant breeding pairs seldom divorce, but that rates of EPP are associated with genetic similarity between mates. Although extra-pair males are no more distantly related to the female than social males, they are more heterozygous. Nevertheless, extra-pair pups are not more heterozygous than within-pair pups. Whether females benefit from EPP in terms of increased fitness of the offspring, such as enhanced survival or growth, requires further investigations.
S P Doolan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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co operative rearing by slender tailed meerkats Suricata suricatta in the southern kalahari
Ethology, 1999Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, are small, gregarious and largely insectivorous mongooses which inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa. We describe four elements of co-operative rearing of the young: 1. babysitting at the den; 2. creching on foraging trips; 3. provisioning with prey items away from the den; and 4. allonursing, including spontaneous lactation. Individual band members differed markedly in contributions to co-operative rearing. All adults and yearlings guarded the den and helpers actively defended young against predators. Breeders babysat significantly less than did non-breeding adults. Differences in age–sex class contributions were also evident in creching behaviour. The feeding of kittens by provisioners extended from soon after their first emergence from the den at 2–3 wk of age to effective foraging independence at 10–12 wk. Breeding females initially contributed little care other than nursing. Allonursing occurred in six of 25 closely observed litters, including three incidents of spontaneous lactation when subordinates nursed the young of higher-ranking females. Such co-operation is likely to be critical to the survival of these highly sociable mongooses in a semi-arid environment such as the Kalahari where food availability can fluctuate enormously.
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Co‐operative Rearing by Slender‐tailed Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in the Southern Kalahari
Ethology, 1999Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, are small, gregarious and largely insectivorous mongooses which inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa. We describe four elements of co-operative rearing of the young: 1. babysitting at the den; 2. creching on foraging trips; 3. provisioning with prey items away from the den; and 4. allonursing, including spontaneous lactation. Individual band members differed markedly in contributions to co-operative rearing. All adults and yearlings guarded the den and helpers actively defended young against predators. Breeders babysat significantly less than did non-breeding adults. Differences in age–sex class contributions were also evident in creching behaviour. The feeding of kittens by provisioners extended from soon after their first emergence from the den at 2–3 wk of age to effective foraging independence at 10–12 wk. Breeding females initially contributed little care other than nursing. Allonursing occurred in six of 25 closely observed litters, including three incidents of spontaneous lactation when subordinates nursed the young of higher-ranking females. Such co-operation is likely to be critical to the survival of these highly sociable mongooses in a semi-arid environment such as the Kalahari where food availability can fluctuate enormously.
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dispersal and extra territorial prospecting by slender tailed meerkats Suricata suricatta in the south western kalahari
Journal of Zoology, 1996Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Dispersal in slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, in the south-western Kalahari occurred mainly during the early breeding season, and was age- and sex-dependent. Among yearlings, more males than females were immigrants, but more females than males disappeared. There were no sex differences in dispersal among two-year-olds, but among animals aged three years or older, more males than females emigrated. Most dispersers moved into adjacent bands or joined other transients, and females apparently suffered higher rates of mortality than males. Kinship with the same-sex or opposite-sex breeder had no discernible effect on the likelihood of dispersing. Both males and females made prospecting forays to other groups, apparently to assess dispersal and breeding opportunities. Males made frequent and repeated forays, often in coalitions with other band members or transients, whereas prospecting by females was generally solitary, and they were not known to make multiple forays. Prospecting males successfully took over dominance of two bands, and attempted to take over bands on three other occasions. Animals attempting to join or follow a band (trailers) behaved submissively and were readily chased by residents, whereas those attempting a dominance takeover (invaders) scent-marked at a high rate and showed no submissive behaviours. Dispersing meerkats maximized reproductive success by increasing their mating opportunities, while animals which delayed dispersal received indirect benefits by helping to raise kin.
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diet and foraging behaviour of group living meerkats Suricata suricatta in the southern kalahari
Journal of Zoology, 1996Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small, diurnal, and gregarious mongooses which inhabit the semi-arid regions of southern Africa. In the south-western Kalahari, substantial fluctuations in productivity are caused by extreme seasonality in rainfall and temperatures. We observed the foraging behaviour of habituated meerkats from January to July, a period covering the entire birth season and stages of high and low prey availability. Insects were the most frequently occurring prey class (78.1%), of which larvae (33.4% total frequency) and adult Coleoptera (27.5% total frequency) were the most important prey items throughout the year. Reptiles were heavily utilized in terms of prey bulk-an index of volume-(19.9%), but not by frequency (9.2%). Consumption of Coleoptera was positively correlated with rainfall, and negatively with temperature. Meerkats used a mean of 6.7 ± 1.1 prey categories daily, and there were significant monthly differences in prey diversity in the diet. Dietary shifts were apparently related to fluctuations in prey availability and the presence of preferred prey. There were no differences between the sexes in dietary diversity or niche breadth, but pregnant and lactating females foraged at significantly higher rates than males. The timing of foraging activity altered over the months in response to changes in daylength and thermoregulatory constraints. Foraging behaviour and seasonality in foraging effort are described, and the implications of an insect prey base for meerkat socioecology are discussed.
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Diet and foraging behaviour of group‐living meerkats, Suricata suricatta, in the southern Kalahari
Journal of Zoology, 1996Co-Authors: S P Doolan, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small, diurnal, and gregarious mongooses which inhabit the semi-arid regions of southern Africa. In the south-western Kalahari, substantial fluctuations in productivity are caused by extreme seasonality in rainfall and temperatures. We observed the foraging behaviour of habituated meerkats from January to July, a period covering the entire birth season and stages of high and low prey availability. Insects were the most frequently occurring prey class (78.1%), of which larvae (33.4% total frequency) and adult Coleoptera (27.5% total frequency) were the most important prey items throughout the year. Reptiles were heavily utilized in terms of prey bulk-an index of volume-(19.9%), but not by frequency (9.2%). Consumption of Coleoptera was positively correlated with rainfall, and negatively with temperature. Meerkats used a mean of 6.7 ± 1.1 prey categories daily, and there were significant monthly differences in prey diversity in the diet. Dietary shifts were apparently related to fluctuations in prey availability and the presence of preferred prey. There were no differences between the sexes in dietary diversity or niche breadth, but pregnant and lactating females foraged at significantly higher rates than males. The timing of foraging activity altered over the months in response to changes in daylength and thermoregulatory constraints. Foraging behaviour and seasonality in foraging effort are described, and the implications of an insect prey base for meerkat socioecology are discussed.