The social behaviour of free-ranging suburban dogs

摘要: Abstract Over a period of 7 months, residential area Berkeley, California, was surveyed at hourly intervals throughout the day and night for free-ranging dogs, dogs with people, cats. The animals' locations behaviours were recorded. highest frequency sightings occurred 07.00 h, secondary peak 17.00 h. abundance people followed similar pattern except that morning 2 h later. Cats most abundant between 18.00 04.00 observable number increased increasing temperature to maximum 23° C then declined higher temperatures. cat fairly constant up 17° further increase. Free-ranging sighted frequently on private property. Street side-walk use greatest in mornings; tended travel rest as later day. Most within 1 or blocks their homes. home ranges 8 are illustrated described. These showed considerable individual variation, but generally had dense core areas sparse (mean corridor range = 1.74 hectares). solitary social groupings only randomly. Despite apparent lack sociability, did not exhibit any signs territoriality agonistic encounters never observed.