Abstract
While several drivers of wildlife alarm calls have been identified, recent work on the impact of the audience on the plasticity of alarm calling indicates that intraspecific communication can drive this behavior. We build on this literature by assessing changes in call characteristics in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in the presence of recently emerged juveniles. Alarm calls were elicited by approaching individuals, and then recorded using a shotgun microphone. Presence and distance of pups were noted prior to recording. Alarm calls were analyzed for changes in spectral and temporal characteristics relative to those of adults that were not in the immediate presence of pups. Our analyses indicated that adult prairie dogs lowered the central concentration of energy in their alarm calls when calling in the presence of pups. This may show that prairie dogs are conscious of the type of alarm call produced based on the behavioral context of calling and potentially the audience receiving the message. Furthermore, this may support the hypothesis that alarm calling is intended to reach conspecifics, rather than to send a message to the predator itself.
Highlights
Alarm calling in wildlife is a seemingly counterintuitive behavior that appears to increase the risk of predation to the signaler (Taylor et al 1990)
We explored whether adult black-tailed prairie dogs ( “prairie dogs”) adjust anti-predatory alarm calls in the presence of pups
We found that peak frequency at both recording sites was significantly reduced when pups were present (Table 3)
Summary
Alarm calling in wildlife is a seemingly counterintuitive behavior that appears to increase the risk of predation to the signaler (Taylor et al 1990). The evolutionary maintenance of this behavior has been explained through applications of theories such as Smith’s (1965) kin selection (e.g., Griesser and Ekman 2004) and Trivers’ (1971) reciprocal altruism (e.g., Krams et al 2006). Under these contexts, alarm calls are considered altruistic since the signaler is put at risk and others gain a fitness benefit (Smith 1965). Other hypotheses posit that alarm calls do not increase the risk of predation to the signaler (Sherman 1985), suggesting other functions of alarm calling than altruism. Some individuals alter alarm calls based on the audience present, suggesting multiple motivations for alarm calling, as well as conscious
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
