Inter-male aggression in relation to female availability and residence status in corn mice <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calomys musculinus</Emphasis> |
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Authors: | Andrea R Steinmann José W Priotto |
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Institution: | 1.Departamento de Ciencias Naturales,Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto,Río Cuarto,Argentina;2.Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina,http://www.conicet.gov.ar |
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Abstract: | We conducted an experimental study to test the hypothesis that, at low female availability, males show intrasexual aggressive
behaviour and home range owners are more aggressive than home range intruders. Using field dyadic arena test, we carried out
35 male–male trials in four 0.25 ha enclosures, two male-biased (experimental enclosures) and two unbiased (control enclosures).
Dyadic encounters were conducted between unrelated and sexually mature males of similar weight and age which established home
ranges in the same enclosure at the same trapping session. Each inter-male encounter was performed in the home range of one
of the opponents between the home range owner and a home range intruder. When sex ratios were male-biased, inter-male amicable
behaviour was absent and we found significant rates of inter-male aggressiveness, being home range owners much more aggressive
than intruders. In the unbiased enclosures, inter-male encounters resulted mainly in noninteractive or amicable interactions.
We found that inter-male aggression varied in relation to female availability being more evident in home range owners. |
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