Aggression towards neonates and possible infanticide in the boto, or Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
In: BehaviourAMPA-Friends of Manatee Association, Rua Jaú 17, Waimiri, CEP 69736-000 Balbina/AM, Brazil
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Abstract
Recent observed attacks by male Amazon river dolphins on conspecific calves, together with post-mortem examinations, indicate that infanticide occurs in this species but that not all attacked calves are killed. If mortality occurs, it might therefore be an inadvertent consequence of the behaviour rather than the motive for it. Our observations suggest that males who commit infanticide are unlikely to gain direct fitness benefits. Evidence does not fit the sexual selection hypothesis. Aggression towards calves usually ‘drew a crowd’ and may represent socio-sexual display or simply be a form of social pathology, as found in other infanticidal mammals.
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Aggression towards neonates and possible infanticide in the boto, or Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
In: BehaviourAMPA-Friends of Manatee Association, Rua Jaú 17, Waimiri, CEP 69736-000 Balbina/AM, Brazil
Search for other papers by V.M.F. da Silva in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by P.M. Silva in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by F. Schlichta in
Current site
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PubMed
AMPA-Friends of Manatee Association, Rua Jaú 17, Waimiri, CEP 69736-000 Balbina/AM, Brazil
Search for other papers by N.A.S. do Carmo in
Current site
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AMPA-Friends of Manatee Association, Rua Jaú 17, Waimiri, CEP 69736-000 Balbina/AM, Brazil
Search for other papers by G.L. Olson in
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Search for other papers by B.G. Hintermayer in
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Search for other papers by M.C. Araujo in
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Abstract
Recent observed attacks by male Amazon river dolphins on conspecific calves, together with post-mortem examinations, indicate that infanticide occurs in this species but that not all attacked calves are killed. If mortality occurs, it might therefore be an inadvertent consequence of the behaviour rather than the motive for it. Our observations suggest that males who commit infanticide are unlikely to gain direct fitness benefits. Evidence does not fit the sexual selection hypothesis. Aggression towards calves usually ‘drew a crowd’ and may represent socio-sexual display or simply be a form of social pathology, as found in other infanticidal mammals.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1064 | 218 | 31 |
| Full Text Views | 71 | 13 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 117 | 30 | 0 |