Alpine chamois are commonly seen as a highly polygymous species. However, its limited sexual-size dimorphism and the unbiased sex-specific survival curves suggest a more conservative reproductive strategy by males. To date, two mating tactics have been recognized: territorial and non-territorial males.
My PhD aims to characterize such alternative tactics from the behavioural viewpoint, by investigating:
- the qualitative and quantitative ethogram of the 2 male types during the rutting season;
- the differential allocation of time to various activities, with special reference to foraging strategies before, during and after the rut;
- the differential pattern of aggressive behaviour in relation to hormone metabolites.
The aim of this work lies in the investigation of potential costs and benefits associated to the adoption of one of the alternative mating tactics.
host: Miss Heather Anderson
refID: 892
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