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Liu D, Li B, Song P, Jiang F, Zhang T. Captivity Shifts Gut Microbiota Communities in Plateau Zokor ( Eospalax baileyi). Microorganisms 2024; 12:789. [PMID: 38674733 PMCID: PMC11052244 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota in animals is a dynamic ecosystem influenced by both the host itself and the environment it inhabits. It is known that short-term captivity can significantly impact the gut microbiota of plateau zokors, leading to substantial inter-individual variation. However, the specific changes in the assembly process of the gut microbiota in plateau zokors during captivity remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis on the assembly process of the gut microbiota in 22 male plateau zokors from the same location in Qinglin Township, Datong County, Qinghai Province, before (W) and after (L) laboratory rearing. We performed a single-factor correlation network analysis on the top 50 genera with relative abundance in each group. The results revealed that captivity increased the complexity of the gut microbiota in plateau zokors, indicating a higher number of interactions between different microbial species. However, this increase in complexity was accompanied by a decrease in stability, suggesting a higher degree of variability and potential disruption in the microbial community. According to the results of the neutral community model, the gut microbiota of plateau zokors in the W had a higher Nm value (Nm = 48,135) compared to the L (Nm = 39,671), indicating that species dispersal of the gut microbiota was greater in the wild than in captivity. In the wild, the modified stochasticity ratio (MST) was less than 0.5, suggesting that deterministic processes dominated. However, after 15 days of laboratory rearing, the MST became greater than 0.5, indicating a shift toward stochastic processes, and this difference was highly significant (p < 0.001). This differs from research related to aboveground animals. This study provides theoretical support for the application of gut microbiota in subterranean endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoxin Liu
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China;
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; (B.L.); (P.S.); (F.J.)
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Bin Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; (B.L.); (P.S.); (F.J.)
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Pengfei Song
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; (B.L.); (P.S.); (F.J.)
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; (B.L.); (P.S.); (F.J.)
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Tongzuo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China; (B.L.); (P.S.); (F.J.)
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
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2
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Flocking in birds is associated with diet, foraging substrate, timing of activity, and life history. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03183-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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3
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Luchesi LC, Paula BC, Monticelli PF, Francescoli G. The underground system of Clyomys laticeps changes in structure and composition according to climatic and vegetation variations. Acta Ethol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-022-00389-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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4
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Denommé MR, Mason GJ. Social Buffering as a Tool for Improving Rodent Welfare. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2022; 61:5-14. [PMID: 34915978 PMCID: PMC8786379 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The presence of a conspecific can be calming to some species of animal during stress, a phenomenon known as social buffering. For rodents, social buffering can reduce the perception of and reaction to aversive experiences. With a companion, animals may be less frightened in conditioned fear paradigms, experience faster wound healing, show reduced corticosterone responses to novelty, and become more resilient to everyday stressors like cage-cleaning. Social buffering works in diverse ways across species and life stages. For example, social buffering may rely on specific bonds and interactions between individuals, whereas in other cases, the mere presence of conspecific cues may reduce isolation stress. Social buffering has diverse practical applications for enhancing rodent wellbeing (some of which can be immediately applied, while others need further development via welfare-oriented research). Appropriate social housing will generally increase rodents' abilities to cope with challenges, with affiliative cage mates being the most effective buffers. Thus, when rodents are scheduled to experience distressing research procedures, ensuring that their home lives supply high degrees of affiliative, low stress social contact can be an effective refinement. Furthermore, social buffering research illustrates the stress of acute isolation: stressors experienced outside the cage may thus be less impactful if a companion is present. If a companion cannot be provided for subjects exposed to out-of-cage stressors, odors from unstressed animals can help ameliorate stress, as can proxies such as pieces of synthetic fur. Finally, in cases involving conditioned fear (the learned expectation of harm), newly providing social contact during exposure to negative conditioned stimuli (CS) can modify the CS such that for research rodents repeatedly exposed to aversive stimuli, adding conspecific contact can reduce their conditioned fear. Ultimately, these benefits of social buffering should inspire the use of creative techniques to reduce the impact of stressful procedures on laboratory rodents, so enhancing their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Denommé
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia J Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Corresponding author. Email address:
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5
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Cantano LMR, Luchesi LC, Takata JT, Monticelli PF. Behavioral repertoire of the Brazilian spiny-rats, Trinomys setosus and Clyomys laticeps: different levels of sociality. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e241164. [PMID: 34231655 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.241164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior is a useful trait for comparative studies that provide the comprehension of phylogenetic relationships among species. Here, we present a description of two spiny-rats species' behavioral repertoire, Clyomys laticeps and Trinomys setosus (Rodentia: Echimyidae). The affiliative and agonistic behavioral patterns were sampled during a three-year study of captive populations of wild animals. Observational data were collected in two phases under different arrangements of individuals in groups. We also compare the behavioral traits of T. setosus and C. laticeps with the known behavioral patterns of Trinomys yonenagae. We add categories to the previous descriptions of T. setosus and a standard ethogram for C. laticeps. Trinomys setosus showed a visual and vocal display we called foot-trembling, which was not described in this form and function for other species studied until now. We discuss the differences in their sociality levels and similarities and differences among behavior patterns and repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M R Cantano
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - L C Luchesi
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - J T Takata
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - P F Monticelli
- Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - FFCLRP, Departamento de Psicologia, Laboratório de Etologia e Bioacústica - EBAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia em Psicobiologia, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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6
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Panaccio M, Ferrari C, Bassano B, Stanley CR, von Hardenberg A. Social network analysis of small social groups: Application of a hurdle GLMM approach in the Alpine marmot (
Marmota marmota
). Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Panaccio
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie University of Pavia Pavia Italy
| | - Caterina Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi University of Turin Torino Italy
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre Gran Paradiso National Park Valsavarenche (AO) Italy
| | - Bruno Bassano
- Alpine Wildlife Research Centre Gran Paradiso National Park Valsavarenche (AO) Italy
| | - Christina R. Stanley
- Department of Biological Sciences Conservation Biology Research Group University of Chester Chester UK
| | - Achaz von Hardenberg
- Department of Biological Sciences Conservation Biology Research Group University of Chester Chester UK
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Sefczek TM, McGraw WS, Faralahy DM, Manampisoa GM, Louis EE. Locomotion of an adult female and juvenile male aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in Torotorofotsy, Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23267. [PMID: 33956356 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) locate and acquire invertebrates from within woody substrates at all levels of the rainforest; yet how their locomotion helps them accommodate this diet has not been explored in detail. We studied the locomotor behavior of an adult female (N = 1,085) and juvenile male (N = 708) aye-aye in the undisturbed forest of Torotorofotsy, Madagascar from May to December 2017. We used bout sampling to record locomotion during foraging and travel of the two radio-collared individuals. We used χ 2 tests to compare overall locomotion, travel, and foraging, as well as strata and support use. We performed a correspondence analysis to examine relationships between individual behaviors, strata, and support types. Leaping accounted for 47.9% and 50.1% of all locomotor activity in the adult female and juvenile male, respectively. Leaping was the most common behavior during travel in both individuals (59.2% and 53.9%, respectively), whereas head-first descent was most frequent during foraging (35.0% and 48.0%, respectively). For all three locomotor categories, the main canopy (40.3%-79.6%) was used most frequently and trunks were the most frequently used support type (50.7%-60.0%). There is a strong association between strata and support use overall and during travel. Quadrupedal walking was significantly associated with the main canopy, as was head-first descent with the low canopy. Our analysis demonstrates that aye-ayes use a variety of locomotor behaviors to forage for invertebrates. Aye-ayes' ability to repurpose their positional repertoire to acquire other resources in degraded forests should not obscure the importance of invertebrates to this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Sefczek
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Conservation and Research, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - W Scott McGraw
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Edward E Louis
- Center for Conservation and Research, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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Temperament, Plasticity, and Emotions in Defensive Behaviour of Paca (Mammalia, Hystricognatha). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020293. [PMID: 33498936 PMCID: PMC7911602 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The paca (Cuniculus paca), a Neotropical caviomorph rodent, provides the most sought-after game meat in all its range, and it therefore faces high hunting pressure and consequent poor welfare. The species is categorised as having a conservation status of “least concern” and appears resilient to over-hunting by humans, which may be related to individuals’ behavioural characteristics. To investigate this, we submitted captive pacas to temperament (personality) tests designed to assess individual responses to short challenges and to evaluate individuals’ emotional states. Our results showed that paca with a “restless” temperament performed more abnormal behaviour and less exploratory behaviour in a test of defensive behaviour, which elevations in faecal glucocorticoid metabolites indicated to be stressful. Plasticity in defensive behaviour was inferred from changes in behavioural responses and apparently rapid adaptation to different levels of risk. Our results suggest that individual differences and consistency of behavioural responses displayed by paca toward challenges may reflect a generally flexible and successful defensive behavioural response that underpins the paca’s survival, despite the threat of overhunting throughout its range. Abstract Within a species, some individuals are better able to cope with threatening environments than others. Paca (Cuniculus paca) appear resilient to over-hunting by humans, which may be related to the behavioural plasticity shown by this species. To investigate this, we submitted captive pacas to temperament tests designed to assess individual responses to short challenges and judgement bias tests (JBT) to evaluate individuals’ affective states. Results indicated across-time and context stability in closely correlated “agitated”, “fearful” and “tense” responses; this temperament dimension was labelled “restless”. Individual “restless” scores predicted responses to novelty, although not to simulated chasing and capture by humans in a separate modified defence test battery (MDTB). Restless animals were more likely to show a greater proportion of positive responses to an ambiguous cue during JBT after the MDTB. Plasticity in defensive behaviour was inferred from changes in behavioural responses and apparently rapid adaptation to challenge in the different phases of the MDTB. The results indicate that both temperament and behavioural plasticity may play a role in influencing paca responses to risky situations. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of understanding the role of individual temperament traits and behavioural plasticity in order to better interpret the animals’ conservation status and vulnerabilities.
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9
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Tracing the Paleobiology of Paedotherium and Tremacyllus (Pachyrukhinae, Notoungulata), the Latest Sciuromorph South American Native Ungulates – Part I: Snout and Masticatory Apparatus. J MAMM EVOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-020-09516-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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10
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11
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A critical inquiry into marble-burying as a preclinical screening paradigm of relevance for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder: Mapping the way forward. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 19:1-39. [PMID: 30361863 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-018-00653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rodent marble-burying behavior in the marble-burying test (MBT) is employed as a model or measure to study anxiety- and compulsive-like behaviors or anxiolytic and anticompulsive drug action. However, the test responds variably to a range of pharmacological interventions, and little consensus exists regarding specific methodologies for its execution. Regardless, the test is widely applied to investigate the effects of pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral manipulations on purported behaviors related to the said neuropsychiatric constructs. Therefore, in the present review we attempt to expound the collective translational significance of the MBT. We do this by (1) reviewing burying behavior as a natural behavioral phenotype, (2) highlighting key aspects of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder from a translational perspective, (3) reviewing the history and proof of concept of the MBT, (4) critically appraising potential methodological confounds in execution of the MBT, and (5) dissecting responses of the MBT to various pharmacological interventions. We conclude by underlining that the collective translational value of the MBT will be strengthened by contextually valid experimental designs and objective reporting of data.
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12
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Álvarez A, Ercoli MD, Verzi DH. Integration and diversity of the caviomorph mandible (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha): assessing the evolutionary history through fossils and ancestral shape reconstructions. Zool J Linn Soc 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCaviomorph rodents constitute a highly diverse clade of Neotropical mammals. They are recorded since at least the late Middle Eocene and have a long and complex evolutionary history. Using geometric morphometric data, we analysed the variation in mandibular shape of this clade through integration analyses, allometry and shape optimizations onto a phylogenetic tree of 104 extant and extinct species. The analyses of shape variation revealed a strong influence of phylogenetic structure and life habits. A remarkable allometric effect was observed for specific mandibular traits. Morphological changes occurring in the alveolar and muscular functional units were moderately associated. Interestingly, the coordinated evolution of these two functional units was decoupled in the clade of extant abrocomids. A sequential and nearly synchronic acquisition of convergent traits has occurred in chinchillids and derived cavioids since at least the early Middle Oligocene, probably derived from grass-feeding habits or similar adaptations to other abrasive items. Convergences between fossorial taxa evolved in two main events through the Oligocene and middle Late Miocene. Morphological analysis of the fossil representatives allowed a better understanding of the timing of trait acquisitions during the evolutionary history of caviomorphs and its relationship with global and regional palaeoenvironmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Álvarez
- Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, CONICET, IdGyM, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Marcos D Ercoli
- Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, CONICET, IdGyM, San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - Diego H Verzi
- Sección Mastozoología, Museo de La Plata, CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Frogs with denser group-spawning mature later and live longer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13776. [PMID: 31551505 PMCID: PMC6760165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic causes of longevity variation has deservedly received much attention in evolutionary ecologist. Here we tested the association between longevity and spawning-site groups across 38 species of Chinese anurans. As indicators of group-spawning we used spawning-site group size and spawning-site density, which we measured at 152 spawning sites in the field. We found that both spawning-site density and group size were positively associated with longevity. Male group-spawning (e.g., male spawning-site density and male spawning-site group size) was also positively correlated with longevity. A phylogenetic path analysis further revealed that longevity seems directly associated with spawning-site density and group size, and that the association in part depend on the 'groups-spawning-age at first reproduction' association. Our findings suggest that the increased group-spawning are likely to benefit in declining extrinsic mortality rates and living longer through improving total anti-predator behaviour under predation pressure.
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Mukherjee A, Pal A, Velankar AD, Kumara HN, Bhupathy S. Stay awhile in my burrow! Interspecific associations of vertebrates to Indian crested porcupine burrows. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2019.1594392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mukherjee
- Conservation Biology Department, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Arijit Pal
- Conservation Biology Department, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Avadhoot Dilip Velankar
- Conservation Biology Department, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka, India
| | - Honnavalli Nagaraj Kumara
- Conservation Biology Department, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subramanian Bhupathy
- Conservation Biology Department, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Bretscher A, Dittel JW, Lambert TD, Adler GH. Habitat structure influences refuge use by two sympatric species of Neotropical forest rodents. J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bretscher
- Biology Department, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, USA
| | - Jacob W Dittel
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA
| | - Thomas D Lambert
- Biology Department, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, USA
| | - Gregory H Adler
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA
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Herrera-Victoria AM, Zuluaga-Egas M, Rojas-Díaz V, Valenzuela LA, Kattan GH. The dynamics of tent-roosts in the palm Sabal mauritiiformisand their use by bats in a montane dry forest. Biotropica 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Herrera-Victoria
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana seccional Cali; Cali Colombia
- Wildlife Conservation Society Colombia Program; Cali Colombia
| | - Marlyn Zuluaga-Egas
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana seccional Cali; Cali Colombia
| | | | | | - Gustavo H. Kattan
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana seccional Cali; Cali Colombia
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Lima SGC, Sousa-Lima RS, Tokumaru RS, Nogueira-Filho SLG, Nogueira SSC. Vocal complexity and sociality in spotted paca (Cuniculus paca). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190961. [PMID: 29364898 PMCID: PMC5783385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of sociality is related to many ecological factors that act on animals as selective forces, thus driving the formation of groups. Group size will depend on the payoffs of group living. The Social Complexity Hypothesis for Communication (SCHC) predicts that increases in group size will be related to increases in the complexity of the communication among individuals. This hypothesis, which was confirmed in some mammal societies, may be useful to trace sociality in the spotted paca (Cuniculus paca), a Neotropical caviomorph rodent reported as solitary. There are, however, sightings of groups in the wild, and farmers easily form groups of spotted paca in captivity. Thus, we aimed to describe the acoustic repertoire of captive spotted paca to test the SCHC and to obtain insights about the sociability of this species. Moreover, we aimed to verify the relationship between group size and acoustic repertoire size of caviomorph rodents, to better understand the evolution of sociality in this taxon. We predicted that spotted paca should display a complex acoustic repertoire, given their social behavior in captivity and group sightings in the wild. We also predicted that in caviomorph species the group size would increase with acoustic repertoire, supporting the SCHC. We performed a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) based on acoustic parameters of the vocalizations recorded. In addition, we applied an independent contrasts approach to investigate sociality in spotted paca following the social complexity hypothesis, independent of phylogeny. Our analysis showed that the spotted paca's acoustic repertoire contains seven vocal types and one mechanical signal. The broad acoustic repertoire of the spotted paca might have evolved given the species' ability to live in groups. The relationship between group size and the size of the acoustic repertoires of caviomorph species was confirmed, providing additional support for the SCHC in yet another group of diverse mammals-caviomorph rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella G. C. Lima
- Laboratório de Bioacústica, Departamento de Fisiologia e Comportamento / Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Renata S. Sousa-Lima
- Laboratório de Bioacústica, Departamento de Fisiologia e Comportamento / Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Rosana S. Tokumaru
- Departamento de Psicologia Social e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Sérgio L. G. Nogueira-Filho
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Selene S. C. Nogueira
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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18
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Ferrando CPR, Leiner NO. Above-ground activity patterns of the semi-fossorial spiny rat Clyomys laticeps. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2017.1371247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire P. Röpke Ferrando
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Bloco 2D, Rua Ceará s/n, CEP 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Oliveira Leiner
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Bloco 4Q, Rua Ceará s/n, CEP 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Hofstede L, Dziminski MA. Greater bilby burrows: important structures for a range of species in an arid environment. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/am16032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) have been described as ecosystem engineers and their burrows are significant structures across an often featureless and harsh arid landscape. Remote cameras were deployed at bilby burrows to determine whether bilby burrows were important structures for other species. Cameras detected two mammal species, brush-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus blythi) and spinifex hopping mice (Notomys alexis), permanently occupying bilby burrows, and a further two species, short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus acanthion) and sand goannas (Varanus gouldii), regularly using bilby burrows for shelter. An additional suite of 16 mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species were detected interacting with bilby burrows. There was no difference in the number of species using disused or occupied bilby burrows, indicating that even disused bilby burrows are important structures for other species. We show that bilby burrows are used by a range of species and are analogous to the traditional, mostly North American, and commonly provided text book examples of the gopher tortoise and kangaroo rat. The disappearance of bilbies across at least 80% of their former range and thus the disappearance of their burrows as important structural resources in a harsh, arid environment may have had important consequences for a range of species.
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Ackermann S, Bennett NC, Katandukila JV, Oosthuizen MK. Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in captive Emin’s mole-rats,Heliophobius emini(Rodentia: Bathyergidae). J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sobrero R, Fernández-Aburto P, Ly-Prieto Á, Delgado SE, Mpodozis J, Ebensperger LA. Effects of Habitat and Social Complexity on Brain Size, Brain Asymmetry and Dentate Gyrus Morphology in Two Octodontid Rodents. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2016; 87:51-64. [DOI: 10.1159/000444741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Navigational and social challenges due to habitat conditions and sociality are known to influence dentate gyrus (DG) morphology, yet the relative importance of these factors remains unclear. Thus, we studied three natural populations of O. lunatus (Los Molles) and Octodon degus (El Salitre and Rinconada), two caviomorph species that differ in the extent of sociality and with contrasting vegetation cover of habitat used. The brains and DG of male and female breeding degus with simultaneous information on their physical and social environments were examined. The extent of sociality was quantified from total group size and range area overlap. O. degus at El Salitre was more social than at Rinconada and than O. lunatus from Los Molles. The use of transects to quantify cover of vegetation (and other physical objects in the habitat) and measures of the spatial behavior of animals indicated animal navigation based on unique cues or global landmarks is more cognitively challenging to O. lunatus. During lactation, female O. lunatus had larger brains than males. Relative DG volume was similar across sexes and populations. The right hemisphere of male and female O. lunatus had more cells than the left hemisphere, with DG directional asymmetry not found in O. degus. Degu population differences in brain size and DG cell number seemed more responsive to differences in habitat than to differences in sociality. Yet, large-sized O. degus (but not O. lunatus) that ranged over larger areas and were members of larger social groups had more DG cells per hemisphere. Thus, within-population variation in DG cell number by hemisphere was consistent with a joint influence of habitat and sociality in O. degus at El Salitre.
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Postnatal development of subterranean habits in tuco-tucos Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia, Caviomorpha, Ctenomyidae). J ETHOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-015-0453-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Noonan MJ, Newman C, Buesching CD, Macdonald DW. Evolution and function of fossoriality in the Carnivora: implications for group-living. Front Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Meheretu Y, Welegerima K, Sluydts V, Bauer H, Gebrehiwot K, Deckers J, Makundi R, Leirs H. Reproduction and survival of rodents in crop fields: the effects of rainfall, crop stage and stone-bund density. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/wr14121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Reproduction and survival are two of the most important demographic factors that play a major role in changing population abundances of pest species over time and space, solid understanding of which is a useful input to forecast future population changes for proactive management.
Aims
We investigated the effects of rainfall, crop-development stage and density of stone bunds on reproductive patterns, and the effects of stone-bund density and sex on survival probabilities of two widespread rodent species (Mastomys awashensis and Arvicanthis dembeensis) in Ethiopian highlands.
Methods
Rodent population dynamics were monitored from April 2007 to February 2011, using capture–mark–recapture (CMR) technique in four 60 × 60 m permanent square grids for four consecutive cropping seasons. Two of the grids represented fields with low stone-bund density (LSBD, ~15 m apart) and the other two represented fields with high stone-bund density (HSBD, ~10 m apart).
Key results
Reproduction was seasonal, commencing during the wet season following the rain and continuing through the early dry season. We found an increase in the abundance of reproductively active female individuals of both species towards the milky and fruiting crop stages and around harvest period. We found no strong difference in survival probability between the two rodent species with variation in stone-bund density and sex.
Conclusion
Stone bunds play a minor role in the reproduction and survival of the rodent species at the observed abundances.
Implications
In terms of pest management, the high local survival rates estimated for both rodent species matter more than survival differences owing to variations in stone-bund density and sex.
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Rivera DS, Abades S, Alfaro FD, Ebensperger LA. Sociality ofOctodontomys gliroidesand other octodontid rodents reflects the influence of phylogeny. J Mammal 2014. [DOI: 10.1644/14-mamm-a-057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Sobrero R, Inostroza-Michael O, Hernández CE, Ebensperger LA. Phylogeny modulates the effects of ecological conditions on group living across hystricognath rodents. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Aggregation and site tenacity under downed logs in Salamandrella keyserlingii (Caudata: Hynobiidae). Polar Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-013-1443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sobrero R, Prieto ÁL, Ebensperger LA. Activity, overlap of range areas, and sharing of resting locations in the moon-toothed degu,Octodon lunatus. J Mammal 2014. [DOI: 10.1644/13-mamm-a-144.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Smorkatcheva AV, Lukhtanov VA. Evolutionary association between subterranean lifestyle and female sociality in rodents. Mamm Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Becerra F, Echeverría AI, Casinos A, Vassallo AI. Another one bites the dust: Bite force and ecology in three caviomorph rodents (Rodentia, Hystricognathi). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 321:220-32. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Becerra
- Departamento de Biología-Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alejandra Isabel Echeverría
- Departamento de Biología-Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Adrià Casinos
- Departament de Biologia Animal; Universitat de Barcelona (UB); Barcelona Spain
| | - Aldo Iván Vassallo
- Departamento de Biología-Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC); Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
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Álvarez A, Perez SI, Verzi DH. Ecological and phylogenetic dimensions of cranial shape diversification in South American caviomorph rodents (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Álvarez
- División Mastozoología; Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’; Av. Ángel Gallardo 470 Buenos Aires C1405DJR Argentina
- CONICET; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - S. Ivan Perez
- División Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Paseo del Bosque s/n La Plata B1900FWA Argentina
- CONICET; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Diego H. Verzi
- Sección Mastozoología; División Zoología Vertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Paseo del Bosque s/n La Plata B1900FWA Argentina
- CONICET; Buenos Aires Argentina
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Morgan CC, Álvarez A. The humerus of South American caviomorph rodents: shape, function and size in a phylogenetic context. J Zool (1987) 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Morgan
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
- CONICET; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - A. Álvarez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
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Tecot SR, Baden AL, Romine NK, Kamilar JM. Infant parking and nesting, not allomaternal care, influence Malagasy primate life histories. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-012-1393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ebensperger LA, Rivera DS, Hayes LD. Direct fitness of group living mammals varies with breeding strategy, climate and fitness estimates. J Anim Ecol 2012; 81:1013-23. [PMID: 22384924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2012.01973.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. Understanding how variation in fitness relates to variation in group living remains critical to determine whether this major aspect of social behaviour is currently adaptive. 2. Available evidence in social mammals aimed to examine this issue remains controversial. Studies show positive (i.e. potentially adaptive), neutral or even negative fitness effects of group living. 3. Attempts to explain this variation rely on intrinsic and extrinsic factors to social groups. Thus, relatively more positive fitness effects are predicted in singularly breeding as opposed to plural breeding species. Fitness effects of sociality in turn may depend on ecological conditions (i.e. extrinsic factors) that influence associated benefits and costs. 4. We used meta-analytic tools to review how breeding strategy or ecological conditions influence the effect size associated with direct fitness-sociality relationships reported in the mammalian literature. Additionally, we determined how taxonomic affiliation of species studied, different fitness and sociality measures used, and major climatic conditions of study sites explained any variation in direct fitness effect size. 5. We found group living had modest, yet positive effects on direct fitness. This generally adaptive scenario was contingent not only upon breeding strategy and climate of study sites, but also on fitness measures examined. Thus, positive and significant effects characterized singular as opposed to plural breeding strategies. 6. We found more positive fitness effects on studies conducted in tropical as opposed to temperate or arid climates. More positive and significant effects were noted on studies that relied on group fecundity, male fecundity and offspring survival as measures of fitness. 7. To conclude, direct fitness consequences of mammalian group living are driven by interspecific differences in breeding strategy and climate conditions. Other factors not examined in this study, namely individual variation in direct and indirect fitness benefits and potential interactions between social and ecological conditions, may be important and require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Ebensperger
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología and Biodiversidad (CASEB), and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, Santiago, Chile.
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Serra J, Hurtado MJ, Le Négrate A, Féron C, Nowak R, Gouat P. Behavioral differentiation during collective building in wild mice Mus spicilegus. Behav Processes 2011; 89:292-8. [PMID: 22206995 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although well documented in social insects, the possibility of behavioral differentiation during collective building has been poorly studied in mammals. In this context, the mound-building mouse Mus spicilegus is an interesting model. Under natural conditions, juveniles from different litters gather vegetal material and build a sophisticated structure, the mound, under which the mice will spend winter. The first steps of this complex building process may be elicited under laboratory conditions by offering cotton balls as building material. Spatio-temporal distribution of both animals and cotton balls was automatically recorded by RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification Device) technique. Our results revealed a behavioral differentiation during a collective building task. In a group of six individuals, only two mice (called carriers) transported 80% of the building material whereas the contribution of the remaining mice was weak or even non-existent. The proportion of carriers was constant in all of the six groups studied. This behavioral differentiation was implemented immediately after the building material was made available and remained stable during the 4 days of experiment. The high contribution level of carriers did not result from resource monopolization, nor did it depend on the gender or parental origin of the mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Serra
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée, Université Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Avenue JB Clément, Villetaneuse, France.
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Parra GJ, Corkeron PJ, Arnold P. Grouping and fission–fusion dynamics in Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ecological drivers of group living in two populations of the communally rearing rodent, Octodon degus. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011; 66:261-274. [PMID: 22344477 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Intraspecific variation in sociality is thought to reflect a trade-off between current fitness benefits and costs that emerge from individuals' decision to join or leave groups. Since those benefits and costs may be influenced by ecological conditions, ecological variation remains a major, ultimate cause of intraspecific variation in sociality. Intraspecific comparisons of mammalian sociality across populations facing different environmental conditions have not provided a consistent relationship between ecological variation and group-living. Thus, we studied two populations of the communally rearing rodent Octodon degus to determine how co-variation between sociality and ecology supports alternative ecological causes of group living. In particular, we examined how variables linked to predation risk, thermal conditions, burrowing costs, and food availability predicted temporal and population variation in sociality. Our study revealed population and temporal variation in total group size and group composition that covaried with population and yearly differences in ecology. In particular, predation risk and burrowing costs are supported as drivers of this social variation in degus. Thermal differences, food quantity and quality were not significant predictors of social group size. In contrast to between populations, social variation within populations was largely uncoupled from ecological differences.
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Ebensperger LA, Ramírez-Estrada J, León C, Castro RA, Tolhuysen LO, Sobrero R, Quirici V, Burger JR, Soto-Gamboa M, Hayes LD. Sociality, glucocorticoids and direct fitness in the communally rearing rodent, Octodon degus. Horm Behav 2011; 60:346-52. [PMID: 21777588 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While ecological causes of sociality (or group living) have been identified, proximate mechanisms remain less clear. Recently, close connections between sociality, glucocorticoid hormones (cort) and fitness have been hypothesized. In particular, cort levels would reflect a balance between fitness benefits and costs of group living, and therefore baseline cort levels would vary with sociality in a way opposite to the covariation between sociality and fitness. However, since reproductive effort may become a major determinant of stress responses (i.e., the cort-adaptation hypothesis), cort levels might also be expected to vary with sociality in a way similar to the covariation between sociality and fitness. We tested these expectations during three years in a natural population of the communally rearing degu, Octodon degus. During each year we quantified group membership, measured fecal cortisol metabolites (a proxy of baseline cort levels under natural conditions), and estimated direct fitness. We recorded that direct fitness decreases with group size in these animals. Secondly, neither group size nor the number of females (two proxies of sociality) influenced mean (or coefficient of variation, CV) baseline cortisol levels of adult females. In contrast, cortisol increased with per capita number of offspring produced and offspring surviving to breeding age during two out of three years examined. Together, our results imply that variation in glucocorticoid hormones is more linked to reproductive challenge than to the costs of group living. Most generally, our study provided independent support to the cort-adaptation hypothesis, according to which reproductive effort is a major determinant, yet temporally variable, influence on cort-fitness covariation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Ebensperger
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología and Biodiversidad (CASEB), and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, Santiago, Chile.
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Maher CR, Burger JR. Intraspecific variation in space use, group size, and mating systems of caviomorph rodents. J Mammal 2011; 92:54-64. [PMID: 22328790 DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-s-317.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific variation in social systems is widely recognized across many taxa, and specific models, including polygamy potential, resource defense, and resource dispersion, have been developed to explain the relationship between ecological variation and social organization. Although mammals from temperate North America and Eurasia have provided many insights into this relationship, rodents from the Neotropics and temperate South America have largely been ignored. In this review we focus on reports documenting intraspecific variation in spacing systems, group size, and mating systems of caviomorphs. This large group of New World hystricognath rodents occupies a diverse array of habitats; thus, members of the same species potentially exhibit different social systems in response to different ecological conditions. Spatial patterns vary in response to a diverse array of factors, including predation, food availability, population density, and soil characteristics. Changes in group size typically correlate with changes in resource availability, particularly food. Mating systems generally reflect the ability of males to control access to females, which may depend on population density or food distribution. In general, social organization in caviomorphs fits predictions of resource-based models; however, most studies have been purely observational, involving small numbers of animals over short time periods and reporting qualitative rather than quantitative levels of ecological correlates. In future studies the use of molecular techniques and controlled, experimental manipulations can increase our understanding of intraspecific variation in caviomorph social systems. This understudied group of rodents offers excellent opportunities to provide insights into the influence of ecological conditions on behavior such as social systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Maher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04103, USA
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Herrera EA, Salas V, Congdon ER, Corriale MJ, Tang-Martínez Z. Capybara social structure and dispersal patterns: variations on a theme. J Mammal 2011. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-s-420.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Santos JWA, Lacey EA. Burrow sharing in the desert-adapted torch-tail spiny rat,Trinomys yonenagae. J Mammal 2011. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-s-389.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Ebensperger LA, Chesh AS, Castro RA, Tolhuysen LO, Quirici V, Burger JR, Sobrero R, Hayes LD. Burrow limitations and group living in the communally rearing rodent, Octodon degus. J Mammal 2011; 92:21-30. [PMID: 22328789 PMCID: PMC3277429 DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-s-383.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Group living is thought to evolve whenever individuals attain a net fitness advantage due to reduced predation risk or enhanced foraging efficiency, but also when individuals are forced to remain in groups, which often occurs during high-density conditions due to limitations of critical resources for independent breeding. The influence of ecological limitations on sociality has been studied little in species in which reproduction is more evenly shared among group members. Previous studies in the caviomorph rodent Octodon degus (a New World hystricognath) revealed no evidence that group living confers an advantage and suggest that burrow limitations influence formation of social groups. Our objective was to examine the relevance of ecological limitations on sociality in these rodents. Our 4-year study revealed no association between degu density and use of burrow systems. The frequency with which burrow systems were used by degus was not related to the quality of these structures; only in 1 of the 4 years did the frequency of burrow use decrease with decreasing abundance of food. Neither the number of females per group nor total group size (related measures of degu sociality) changed with yearly density of degus. Although the number of males within social groups was lower in 2008, this variation was not related clearly to varying density. The percentage of females in social groups that bred was close to 99% and did not change across years of varying density. Our results suggest that sociality in degus is not the consequence of burrow limitations during breeding. Whether habitat limitations contribute to variation in vertebrate social systems is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Ebensperger
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Adrian S. Chesh
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Rodrigo A. Castro
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Liliana Ortiz Tolhuysen
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Verónica Quirici
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Joseph Robert Burger
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Raúl Sobrero
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
| | - Loren D. Hayes
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad, and Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D, 6513677, Santiago, Chile (LAE, RAC, LOT, VQ, RS). Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA (ASC, JRB, LDH)
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Hayes LD, Burger JR, Soto-Gamboa M, Sobrero R, Ebensperger LA. Towards an integrative model of sociality in caviomorph rodents. J Mammal 2011; 92:65-77. [PMID: 22328791 PMCID: PMC3277430 DOI: 10.1644/10-mamm-s-039.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the late 1990s and early 2000s it was recognized that behavioral ecologists needed to study the sociality of caviomorph rodents (New World hystricognaths) before generalizations about rodent sociality could be made. Researchers identified specific problems facing individuals interested in caviomorph sociality, including a lack of information on the proximate mechanisms of sociality, role of social environment in development, and geographical or intraspecific variation in social systems. Since then researchers have described the social systems of many previously understudied species, including some with broad geographical ranges. Researchers have done a good job of determining the role of social environments in development and identifying the costs and benefits of social living. However, relatively little is known about the proximate mechanisms of social behavior and fitness consequences, limiting progress toward the development of integrative (evolutionary-mechanistic) models for sociality. To develop integrative models behavioral ecologists studying caviomorph rodents must generate information on the fitness consequences of different types of social organization, brain mechanisms, and endocrine substrates of sociality. We review our current understanding and future directions for research in these conceptual areas. A greater understanding of disease ecology, particularly in species carrying Old World parasites, is needed before we can identify potential links between social phenotypes, mechanism, and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren D. Hayes
- Department of Biology, 700 University Avenue, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 72109, USA
| | - Joseph Robert Burger
- Department of Biology, 700 University Avenue, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 72109, USA
- Department of Biology, MSC03 2020/1, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Mauricio Soto-Gamboa
- Instituto de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla teja S/N, Casilla 567, Chile
| | - Raúl Sobrero
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad and Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis A Ebensperger
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ecología y Biodiversidad and Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
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MONTICELLI PATRÍCIAFERREIRA, ADES CÉSAR. BIOACOUSTICS OF DOMESTICATION: ALARM AND COURTSHIP CALLS OF WILD AND DOMESTIC CAVIES. BIOACOUSTICS 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2011.9753642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kamilar JM, Bribiescas RG, Bradley BJ. Is group size related to longevity in mammals? Biol Lett 2010; 6:736-9. [PMID: 20462887 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2010.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-history theory predicts that reduced extrinsic risk of mortality should increase species longevity over evolutionary time. Increasing group size should reduce an individual's risk of predation, and consequently reduce its extrinsic risk of mortality. Therefore, we should expect a relationship between group size and maximum longevity across species, while controlling for well-known correlates of longevity. We tested this hypothesis using a dataset of 253 mammal species and phylogenetic comparative methods. We found that group size was a poor predictor of maximum longevity across all mammals, as well as within primates and rodents. We found a weak but significant group-size effect on artiodactyl longevity, but in a negative direction. Body mass was consistently the best predictor of maximum longevity, which may be owing to lower predation risk and/or lower basal metabolic rates for large species. Artiodactyls living in large groups may exhibit higher rates of extrinsic mortality because of being more conspicuous to predators in open habitats, resulting in shorter lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Kamilar
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Beauchamp G. Relaxed predation risk reduces but does not eliminate sociality in birds. Biol Lett 2010; 6:472-4. [PMID: 20106860 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2009.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disentangling the relative contribution of predation avoidance and increased foraging efficiency in the evolution of sociality in animals has proven difficult given that the two types of benefits often operate concurrently. I identified different types of refuges from predation in birds related to morphological and ecological traits, providing an opportunity to examine concomitant changes in sociality over evolutionary times. Results of a matched-species comparative analysis indicated a reduction in the size of foraging or non-foraging groups but not complete disappearance under negligible predation risk. The results suggest that while predation avoidance is an important component in the evolution of sociality in birds, it is most probably not acting alone but rather in conjunction with other benefits such as increased foraging efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Beauchamp
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.
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