Patterns of male dispersal in Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) at Kirindy Mitea National Park.

摘要: Males of many group-living mammals emigrate from their social groups to improve mating opportunities. To help mitigate the and locational costs dispersal increase reproductive benefits, they may immigrate seasonally, alongside a partner, and/or replace alpha male (versus entering group as subordinate). Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) are highly seasonally breeding primates characterized by male-biased dispersal. We hypothesized that (i) males time immigrations pursue immediate opportunities, (ii) entrances with partners more often result in replacement, (iii) competitive ability affects immigration strategy tenure length. assess these proximate aspects dispersal, we examined 7 years demographic, morphological, behavioral data for five Kirindy Mitea National Park western Madagascar. Contrary expectations studies other populations, detected no strong seasonal pattern immigrations. Immigrations occurred individually partners, trend existed likelihood replacing an male. Pronounced activity sternal scent gland (a proxy testosterone prior dominance status), but not body mass, canine size, or potential correlates leaping ability, significantly influenced strategy. The absence suggests fluid boundaries allow success without establishment before season. Our results also suggest strategies affected age, status, levels morphological indicators individual ability. Coalitions be used Finally, differences patterns length vacancies observed at due relatively low population density. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22455, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.