Intraspecific Variation in Canid Social Systems

摘要: The family Canidae is composed of approximately 37 species that are categorized into 10–13 genera (Clutton-Brock et al. 1976; Macdonald 1984). Canids typically lithe muscular runners possessing the ability to travel at speeds up 30 km/h for extended periods. They diverse in body weight (1.5–31.1 kg), diet, and habitat (Gittleman 1984; usually breed once a year initially raise their litters ground dens. Compared with most mammals, they have large litter size long period infant dependency (Kleiman Eisenberg 1973). pervasive mating system among canids obligatory monogamy, trait rare mammals 1977). also unusual members share food provide care sick adults dependent young. larger canid regurgitate members, which allows greater efficiency opportunity sharing food.