Social organisation and mating strategies of the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) in Kirindy Forest CFPF, Madagaskar

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Peter M. Kappeler
• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 108481996

Mammalian mating systems are closely related to the social organisation of a species, which in turn is determined by sex-specific selection pressures with respect to access to limited resources. In previous studies of solitary carnivores, mating systems have been described with respect to social organisation alone, due to difficulties of observing mating behaviour in far-ranging species with low population densities. In the present study, we aim to combine spatial data collected through modern GPS technology with behavioural and genetic data of a population of a solitary carnivore, the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). Previous studies with low sample sizes have indicated the existence of a unique mammalian mating system, combining elements of scramble competition polygyny and a lek system. Females visit traditional mating trees and appear to actively solicit multiple matings. Moreover, anecdotal evidence indicates the existence of male coalitions, which may function in the context of intra‐sexual competition for mating opportunities. We therefore want to investigate spacing patterns and mating behaviour of the fossa in detail in order to contribute to the understanding of a unique mammalian mating system in an enigmatic top carnivore.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants