Small size and monogamy: spatial organization of Blanford's foxes, Vulpes cana

摘要: Abstract Interspecific comparisons between canids suggest allometries in the characteristics of neonates, such that species with lower body weights tend to produce relatively heavy small litters whose combined weight is low. Canids weighing less than 6 kg have generally been reported as monogamous occasional polygyny; on basis a parental investment hypothesis, interspecific smallest greatest tendency be polygynous. This prediction was explored by studying Blanford's foxes, which at ca 1 are lighter any previously studied. Data from 11 radio-tracked foxes studied over 2 years indicated they were organized strictly pairs territories about 1·6 km overlapped minimally. Three out five contained single non-breeding yearling female during mating season, but there no evidence polygyny. It suggested departure fox allometric trends can best explained terms adaptations its habitat rather direct consequence size.