Territory defence in male European roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus )—a sexual ornament?

摘要: The function of male territoriality in roe deer has been debated for decades. There now seems to be consensus that it is a mating tactic. As such, highly untypical though. reasons being, first, males neither conform the typical ‘resource defence’ model nor ‘mate model; second, territory defence commences several months advance breeding season; and third, territorial system very rigid, as practically all studies have described social organisation species reported adult territorial. In spite general agreement tactic, conclusive evidence on which selective forces are responsible prevalent pattern still lacking. present paper, suggested serves sexual ornament, i.e. ‘cleanness’ other territory, combination with size ‘clean’ area, tenure length parameters used by females estimate phenotypic quality. hypothesis generates at least four predictions, available data provide support. It concluded although firm test remains undertaken, existing support this, just well any other, explanatory therefore should taken into consideration.