Predator avoidance, breeding experience and reproductive success in endangered cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus
I examine three hypotheses about predator avoidance behaviour: (1) avoidance increases an individual’s reproductive success; (2) avoidance changes with breeding experience according to one of three described models; and (3) any reproductive or experience benefits accrued to individuals by avoidance are reflected in their spatial distribution. These hypotheses were tested on cheetahs which incur substantial […]
Robust behavioral effects of song playback in the absence of testosterone or corticosterone release
Some species of songbirds elevate testosterone in response to territorial intrusions while others do not. The search for a general explanation for this interspecific variation in hormonal response to social challenges has been impeded by methodological differences among studies. We asked whether song playback alone is sufficient to bring about elevation in testosterone or corticosterone […]
Who wants food? Individual characteristics in raven yells
Discriminating between different individuals is considered as prerequisite for any forms of social knowledge. In birds, discriminating between conspecifics based on individual characteristics has been tested mainly in the auditory domain with territorial calls and songs for neighbour and kin discrimination but little is known about discriminating between signallers in food calls. Ravens utilize a […]
Effects of sounds of different quality on the behaviour and heart beat parameters of goats
In alpine regions, bells are used to relocate free-ranging grazers like cows and goats. Considering that goats have a well-developed hearing capacity, sounds (e.g. a chime of a bell) may act as stressors depending on their characteristics. The aim of this study was to test whether a non-uniform sound (chime of a bell) varying in […]