IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| MacDonald, D.W. | |
| Felid Societies | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
Felids differ hugely in body size and, not surprisingly, their prey, habitats and home ranges also differ greatly between species. But how do these differences in their behavioural ecology shape their societies and, indeed, is there a typical felid social system? This paper will review felid societies, exploring the known variation both between and within species, and tackling the questions of which sociological and ecological selective pressures affect these societies. Indeed, how does the spectrum of felid societies differ from that of other Carnivores, and especially canids (which span a broadly similar range of sizes and environments)? The review will also explore evidence for cooperation within felid societies. It emerges that intra-specific variation of facets of social life yield clues to the selective pressures shaping felid societies. Surprisingly few species have been studied in sufficient detail to offer comprehensive generalizations, but a case study of lions reveals generalizations about inter-population differences across this species' range. A further analysis of how one population of lions reacts to seasonal migrations of its prey, and another reacts to inter-annual variation, suggests how patterns in resource availability and dispersion may affect lion society. Further comparisons lead to wider generalizations about felid society and identify questions for the future. |
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