Gregarious behaviour in a salamander: attraction to conspecific chemical cues in burrow choice |
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Authors: | Patrick Gautier Kurtulus Olgun Nazan Uzum Claude Miaud |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Alpine Ecology, University of Savoie, UMR CNRS 5553, 73376, Le Bourget du Lac, France 2. Biyoloji B?lümü, Fen-Edebiyat Fakültesi, Adnan Menderes Universitesi, 09010, Kepez-Aydin, Turkey
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Abstract: | Gregarious behaviour (i.e. living in groups in contrast to a solitary life) is commonly observed in mammals, but rarely documented
in amphibians. Environmental features and/or animal mutual attractions can promote the formation of aggregations that may
both reduce the risks of dehydration and predation and increase mate access and fitness. Luschan’s salamander (Mertensiella luschani) lives in permanently arid Mediterranean environments; individuals shelter in cracks and crevices and leave only during favourable
periods. In this study we examined the role of chemical tracks, in self and conspecific recognition (i.e. gregarious/solitary
behaviour), on the social structure of this species. Our results show that juveniles and adults of both sexes use chemical
scents deposited on substrate to relocate their shelter. In contrast to numerous other salamander species, Luschan’s salamanders
also use social information, conveyed by conspecific scents, to identify a safe shelter. Furthermore, this scent marking does
not play a role in sexual attraction but allows sex discrimination. This species exhibits gregarious behaviour (i.e. conspecific
attraction) as a possible adaptation to dry environments. We discuss both ultimate and proximate factors in the evolution
from a solitary to a gregarious life. |
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Keywords: | Scent marking Gregariousness Social information Salamander Arid environment |
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