Snake-directed mobbing by the Formosan squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus thaiwanensis

摘要: The Formosan squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus thaiwanensis was often observed mobbing the snake Elaphe climacophora. A total of 36 natural and 21 experimentally induced mobbings were analyzed. number attending squirrels per event varied from one to seven, 84% performed by more than individual. duration a bout increased directly with assembled mobbers. In 68% cases, adult female mobbers; there never mob. males mob 0 5; 40% involved two or males. This difference is correlated in spacing patterns both sexes; home ranges distributed exclusively, whereas male overlapped each other. Females mated multiple whose theirs. Female's reproductive status (conception, lactation, weaning) affected their intensity response playback calls, females pup-rearing period being most sensitive. One function appears be defense young against predation. mobbed intensively longer Males that had resided at study site for least 1 year tended frequently intruders.