Infanticide in Prairie Dogs: Lactating Females Kill Offspring of Close Kin

Infanticide, although common in a wide range of species including humans and other primates, is poorly understood. A 7-year study under natural conditions reveals that infanticide within colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) is striking for three reasons. It is the major sourc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1985-11, Vol.230 (4729), p.1037-1040
Main Author: Hoogland, John L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal ethology
Behavior
Biological and medical sciences
Cynomys ludovicianus
Dogs
Female animals
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Infanticide
Killing
Lactation
Mammalia
Mating behavior
Physiological aspects
Prairie dogs
Prairies
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Reproduction
Vertebrata
Weaning
Yearlings
Young animals
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Summary:Infanticide, although common in a wide range of species including humans and other primates, is poorly understood. A 7-year study under natural conditions reveals that infanticide within colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) is striking for three reasons. It is the major source of juvenile mortality, accounting for the total or partial demise of 51 percent of all litters born. The most common killers are resident lactating females. The most common victims are the offspring of close kin.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.230.4729.1037