Vocal repertoire of captive Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): structure, context and function
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2011 |
Authors: |
K.S. Barros, R.S. Tokumaru, J.P. Pedroza, S.S.C. Nogueira |
Publication/Journal: |
Ethology |
Keywords: |
capybara, context, cued memory, function, hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, structure, vocal repertoire, vocalization |
ISBN: |
01791613 |
Abstract:
In this work we describe the structure, behavioral context and functionality of the vocal repertoire of capybaras, a social Caviomorph rodent. Additionally, since territoriality is present in this species, we hypothesize the occurrence of vocal differences among social groups. We analyzed a total of 2069 calls emitted by 28 animals from three different social groups. The capybara’s repertoire is comprised by seven call types (whistle, cry, whine, squeal, bark, click and tooth-chattering). The vocalizations were functionally categorized as contact, alarm, distress and agonistic calls considering their behavioral contexts. The click calls emitted by the adults of the three captive capybara groups were significantly different, confirming our hypothesis of social groups’ vocal differences. The richness of interactions mediated by vocalization in capybaras suggests that the species’ communication is an important mechanism to regulate social encounters and to alert members of the group about environmental cues.