Differences in winter activity, courtship, and social behavior of two captive family groups of Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1997 |
Authors: |
José F. Bernal, Jane M. Packard |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
activity, canid, social behavior, species survival plan, wolf |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:5<435::AID-ZOO6>3.3.CO;2-W The purpose of this study was to determine differences in activity patterns and social behavior of two groups of endangered Mexican wolves maintained at two quite different facilities and to determine some of the variables that should be considered when making specific behavioral comparisons among wolves in this binational captive breeding program. Quantitative measurements of an Activity Index and social behaviors were obtained for three individuals in each pack. Within each age/sex category, activity, aggression, and play were more frequent in the pack at a zoo facility, compared to the pack at a field station facility. Frequency of courtship interactions and scent marking were significantly higher in the field station pack. The packs were similar in the frequency of active submission, but differed significantly in the pattern of this behavior. Given the large number of interacting variables and small number of individuals in this study, we recommend caution in generalizing results to other packs or facilities. Zoo Biol 16:435–443, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.