The effects of population density and sociality on scent marking in the yellow mongoose
Date
2008
Authors
Le Roux A.
Cherry M.I.
Manser M.B.
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Volume Title
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Abstract
We investigated scent marking in the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata focusing on a low-density population where all offspring dispersed upon reaching sexual maturity. Dominant males appeared to be the main territory defenders and demarcators, with offspring foraging and marking only near the territory cores. The cheek-marking rates of dominant males increased during the breeding season and may have been involved in olfactory mate guarding. We compared our low-density population with a high-density population displaying natal philopatry. The two populations differed markedly in terms of individual contributions to territorial marking, as subordinate group members in the low-density population performed almost no territorial marking or defence, but were the primary scent-markers and territory defenders in the high-density population. We discuss scent-marking distinctions between populations in the context of ecological and social differences. © 2008 The Authors.
Description
Keywords
breeding season, defense behavior, dispersal, dominance, mate guarding, olfaction, philopatry, population density, scent marking, sexual maturity, small mammal, territoriality, Carnivora, Cynictis penicillata
Citation
Journal of Zoology
275
1
275
1