Tefft, Brian C.
[VerfasserIn];
Chapman, Joseph A.
[VerfasserIn]
Social behavior of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs), with a review of social behavior in New World rabbits (Mammalia : Leporidae)
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Medientyp:
E-Artikel
Titel:
Social behavior of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs), with a review of social behavior in New World rabbits (Mammalia : Leporidae)
Beschreibung:
The social and reproductive behavior of the New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs) was studied between January 1980 and September 1980. The behavioral repertoire of the rabbit is divided into non-social and social behavior. Non-social behavior is commonly observed behavior of lone rabbits. Social behavior includes basic postures, vocalizations, movements, reproductive interactions and dominant-subordinate interactions of adult males and females. The basic behavioral patterns of S. transitionalis are stereotyped and ritualized, much like behavioral patterns reported for some other Leporids. Many of the behavior sequences and postures are illustrated. The development and maintenance of a social organization in a population of three adult New England cottontails (two males, one female) is presented in detail. The onset of estrus occurred between 12 and 18 March for the 1980 breeding season. Access to the female, and reproduction, was regulated by the formation of a dominance order in the males. Estrus activity was observed at five periods throughout the breeding season. Intervals between estrus periods were characterized by little social interaction. The reproductive, nesting, and nestling behavior of S. transitionalis is described. Reproductive behavior signaling the onset of estrus appears two to three days prior to parturition and post-partum breeding. A regular, recognizable sequence of events preceeds post-partum breeding in this rabbit. Three successful litters of S. transitionalis were produced in the enclosure during the breeding season. Methods of nest construction and behavior of the young are described. The behavior of adult and juvenile S. transitionalis is contrasted with published available data on behavioral patterns and postures of other rabbits, including : S. floridanus, S. aquaticus, S. nuttallii, S. aubudonii, S. palustris, S. bachmani, S. idahoensis, S. brasiliensis, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and Romerolagus diazi.
Le comportement social et reproducteur du Lapin de Nouvelle Angleterre (Sylvilagus transitionalis) a été étudié en conditions semi-naturelles, de Janvier à Septembre 1980, dans le Maryland. Le répertoire comportemental de l’espèce est décrit en détail, et comparé à celui de neuf autres lapins du Nouveau Monde appartenant aux genres Sylvilagus et Romerolagus.