Investigating the links between behavioural types and mate choice in a polygynous pinniped

摘要: Consistent individual differences in behaviour (CIDs) or behavioural types have now been shown a broad range of taxa, from Cnidarians to birds and mammals. An individual’s type can influence may aspects its life history including foraging strategies mate choice decisions. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) exhibit ranging proactive reactive but the implications this on sexual decisions not yet investigated. This study tests prediction that females with more personality should be choosy their decisions. Behavioural observations were made at two distinct sites within Donna Nook breeding colony Lincolnshire coast, UK. The RAF site was characterised by flat topography very low human presence while public topographically varied had high level presence. determined examining rate which they performed pup-checking both disturbed undisturbed situations. Females considered if maintained relatively constant across situations changed Owing tendency found edges where are subject increased harassment transient males it predicted would show frequent intense aggression towards males. In contrast, due occupy best pupping centre occupied dominant fewer less aggressive interactions pattern indicate female showing respond aggressively ranking than do suggesting preference for latter. Detailed accounts all involving focal recorded ad-lib field. In agreement previous studies, evidence CIDs pup-check rates identified colony. However, contrast past research no found. A significant difference mean significantly greater rate. data also showed intensities between higher lower intensity those site. support hypothesis females. Thus, grey study. Despite this, potentially interesting effects and/or anthropogenic seal these prove avenues future research.