Contrasting activity budgets of alternative reproductive tactics in male striped mice

• Published in: Journal of zoology (1987) 2017-04, Vol.301 (4), p.280-289
• Main Authors: Rimbach, R., Wastavino, M., Yuen, C. H., Pillay, N., Schradin, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: activity budgets; allocation; alternative reproductive tactics; biotelemetry; energy trade‐off; movement ecology; Rhabdomys pumilio; social behaviour
• ISSN: 0952-8369; 1469-7998
• DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12414

To maximize their fitness, individuals of one sex can display discrete reproductive phenotypes, called alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). Individuals following ARTs show behavioural variation, which might result in differences in energy intake and expenditure. However, few studies have compared activity budgets and non‐sexual behaviour of individuals following ARTs in nature. We studied male African striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio, which can follow three ARTs: (1) breeding male of a group of females; (2) philopatrics remaining in their natal group; or (3) solitary living roamers. We predicted that each tactic is characterized by its specific activity budget, representing alternative energy trade‐offs. We conducted focal animal observations on 70 males following ARTs. Roamers had higher travelling rates than philopatrics, and breeders had larger daily range sizes compared to philopatrics but not roamers. Philopatrics had higher foraging rates than breeders and showed more socio‐positive behaviour than roamers. Breeders and philopatrics were in their nest more often than roamers, potentially engaging in social interactions with other group members. Roamers were chased off more often than breeders, but the three tactics did not differ concerning rates of socio‐negative behaviour. Overall, philopatrics allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase body mass and survival probability, which could improve the probability to switch to a tactic of higher reproductive success. In contrast, breeders and roamers allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase their chances to mate. In conclusion, following ARTs results in contrasting activity budgets that reflect the differences in reproductive behaviours observed between tactics. Few studies have compared activity budgets and non‐sexual behaviour of individuals using alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) in nature. We studied male African striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio, which can use three ARTs: (1) breeding male in a group of females; (2) philopatrics that remain in their natal group; or (3) solitary living roamers. We conducted focal animal observations on 70 males using the three ARTs. Philopatrics allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase body mass and survival probability, which could improve the probability to switch to a tactic of higher reproductive success. In contrast, breeders and roamers allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase their ch