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Sci Rep

Title:		Evaluating the responses of a territorial solitary carnivore to potential mates and competitors
Author(s):		Allen ML; Yovovich V; Wilmers CC;
Address:		"Center for Integrated Spatial Research, Environmental Studies Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA. Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53704, USA"
Journal Title:		Sci Rep
Year:		2016
Volume:		20160602
Issue:
Page Number:		27257 -
DOI:		10.1038/srep27257
ISSN/ISBN:		2045-2322 (Electronic) 2045-2322 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Successful communication is critical to the fitness of individuals and maintenance of populations, but less is known regarding the social contexts and reactions to scent marking by other individuals in solitary carnivores, including pumas. We evaluated the responses of resident male pumas to visitation and scent marking by potential competitors (other male pumas) and potential mates (female pumas) by capturing and marking 46 pumas (Puma concolor), and documenting scent marking behaviours using motion-triggered video cameras. By comparing resident male puma visitation rates and communication behaviours in response to either male or female visitors, we found that their visitation and communication behaviours were best explained by the combination of visitation by both competitors and potential mates. Resident males returned to scent marking sites more quickly and increased their rate of flehmen response after visitation by a females, while they increased their rate of visitation and duration of visits in response to other males. Male pumas also visited less frequently in summer and autumn when female visitation rates were lower, but males created nearly twice as many scrapes during these visits. This study suggests that advertising for mates when scent marking may sometimes overshadow the importance of deterring competitors and claiming territory"
Keywords:		"Animal Communication Animals Carnivory Female Male Pheromones/*chemistry Puma/*physiology Seasons Sexual Behavior, Animal Social Behavior Videotape Recording;"
Notes:		"MedlineAllen, Maximilian L Yovovich, Veronica Wilmers, Christopher C eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. England 2016/06/03 Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 2; 6:27257. doi: 10.1038/srep27257"