Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Determinants of agonistic interactions in California sea lions
Author(s)
Young, JK; Gonzalez-Suarez, M; Gerber, LR
Published
2008
Publisher
Behaviour
Abstract
California sea lions aggregate in high density colonies during the breeding season. Competition for space and mates results in agonistic interactions that may have long-term population consequences. We explored how demographic, behavioral, and environmental variables influence the rate of agonistic interactions in male and female California sea lions at three breeding colonies with varying population trends and distributed across a wide latitudinal gradient within the Gulf of California, Mexico. Our results indicate that male agonistic interactions are related to environmental and spatial parameters, whereas female interactions are related to male interactions, operational sex ratio (OSR) and environmental parameters. Most demographic and environmental parameters were inversely related to rates of agonistic interactions, with the exception of positive relationships between agonistic interactions and territory size for males and OSR for females. In addition, the highest overall rates of aggression were associated with a declining population. Our findings suggest agonistic interactions may be useful in assessing population dynamics, but additional research is needed to identify mechanistic relationships.
Keywords
HAWAIIAN MONK SEALS; ZALOPHUS-CALIFORNIANUS; MONACHUS-SCHAUINSLANDI; REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS; MAGELLANIC PENGUINS; BEHAVIOR; AGGRESSION; VIABILITY; SELECTION; FEMALES
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB10464