Concatenation of ‘alert’ and ‘identity’ segments in dingoes’ alarm calls

摘要: Multicomponent signals can be formed by the uninterrupted concatenation of multiple call types. One such signal is found in dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo. This stereotyped, multicomponent 'bark-howl' vocalisation a noisy bark segment and tonal howl segment. Both segments are structurally similar to vocalisations produced independently other contexts (e.g. intra- inter-pack communication). Bark-howls mainly uttered response human presence were hypothesized serve as alarm calls. We investigated function bark-howls respective roles segments. that dingoes could discriminate between familiar unfamiliar segments, after having only heard (i.e. different calls). propose 'identity signals' allow receivers modulate their responses according caller's characteristics. The increased receivers' attention levels, providing support for earlier observational claims barks have an 'alerting' function. Lastly, more likely display vigilance behaviours upon hearing bark-howl vocalisations, lending hypothesis. Canid dingo bark-howl, may provide model system investigate selective pressures shaping complex communication systems.