Frequency-modulated second elements of two-element alarm calls do not enhance discrimination of callers in three Eurasian ground squirrels

摘要: Alarm calls of the European Spermophilus citellus (EGS), Taurus S. taurensis (TGS) and Anatolian xanthoprymnus (AGS) ground squirrels share same basic structure. They are tonal sounds consisting primarily two different elements. The first element, often produced without second has limited frequency modulation, while element is more modulated. present study examined whether this frequency-modulated enhances individual distinc- tiveness calls, allowing to be ascribed with greater confidence callers three species. Cross-validated discriminant function analysis (DFA) based on five acoustic parameters successfully classified correct individuals (EGS: 90%, TGS: 98%, AGS: 96%). DFA was also successful in classifications 88%, 86%, 96%), though discrimination versus for AGS, lower EGS significantly TGS. two-element individu- als 93%, 97%), did not improve extent which could be- yond that alone. Thus, does enhance distinctiveness but may convey other information such as location caller (Current Zoology 58 (5): 749−757, 2012). Keywords call, Ground squirrel, Individual recognition, citellus, taurensis,