Dispersal and extra-territorial prospecting by slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in the south-western Kalahari

摘要: Dispersal in slender-tailed meerkats or suricates, Suricata suricatta, the south-western Kalahari occurred mainly during early breeding season, and was age- sex-dependent. Among yearlings, more males than females were immigrants, but disappeared. There no sex differences dispersal among two-year-olds, animals aged three years older, emigrated. Most dispersers moved into adjacent bands joined other transients, apparently suffered higher rates of mortality males. Kinship with same-sex opposite-sex breeder had discernible effect on likelihood dispersing. Both made prospecting forays to groups, assess opportunities. Males frequent repeated forays, often coalitions band members whereas by generally solitary, they not known make multiple forays. Prospecting successfully took over dominance two bands, attempted take occasions. Animals attempting join follow a (trailers) behaved submissively readily chased residents, those takeover (invaders) scent-marked at high rate showed submissive behaviours. Dispersing maximized reproductive success increasing their mating opportunities, while which delayed received indirect benefits helping raise kin.