Presentation Details
| Investment in social relationships drives movement patterns in spotted hyenas Jana M.Woerner1, 2, 3, 4, Kayla Fowler1, 3, Andrew S.Gersick2, 3, 5, Kay E.Holekamp1, 3, Frants H.Jensen2, 6, Marsden Onsare3, Malit O.Pioon3, Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin2, 3, 4, Eli D.Strauss1, 2, 3, 4. 1Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.2Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz Germany.3Mara Hyena Project, Talek Kenya.4University of Konstanz, Konstanz Germany.5Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.6Aarhus University, Roskilde Denmark |
Abstract
Sex differences in movement reflect distinct fitness priorities: females prioritize resource acquisition, whereas males balance feeding with mating effort, especially when reproductive success depends on sustained associations with females. In fission-fusion societies like those of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), social relationships are particularly costly as individuals must travel among widely dispersed groupmates. Hyenas exhibit female mate choice and female-biased dominance, so breeding males must cultivate these bonds while competing for food. We deployed high-resolution GPS and accelerometer collars on all adults of a single group in Kenya to test how reproductive and social strategies shape movement. Breeding males traveled farther than females, and males that traveled farther encountered more females, whereas female travel did not predict female encounters. Males were also more likely to end movement bouts near females and traveled farther when doing so. Finally, males were active longer, especially in the morning, likely to feed when dominant females were resting. These results show how reproductive and social pressures shape movement trade-offs in group-living animals.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.