Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Female territorial aggression and steroid hormones in mountain spiny lizards

Article Abstract:

The females of certain species are highly aggressive but little is known about the effects on such behaviour of steroid hormones. A new study of mountain spiny lizards examines seasonal patterns of territorial aggression and relates them to levels of the plasma steroid hormones testosterone, corticosterone, dihydrotestosterone and oestradiol. It is suggested that testosterone and oestradiol may promote female aggression while corticosterone suppresses it. However, no one-to-one association between steroid hormones and female aggression has been found, suggesting that other factors and interactions may be involved.

Aggressive behavior in animals, Animal aggression, Animal behavior

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Exploratory and antipredator behaviors differ between territorial and nonteritorial male lizards

Article Abstract:

A study compared the explanatory predator avoidance behaviors of territorial and floater male water skinks, Eulamprus heatwolei, to identify whether these alternative behavioral tactics are part of a broader behavioral dichotomy. The conclusion states that territorial tactics might be part of a broader behavioral tendency that can influence the expression and evolution of other seemingly unrelated traits.

Science & research, Skinks

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Effects of residence time on displays during territory establishment in a lizard

Article Abstract:

The effects of residence time on the display behaviour of male Anolis sagrei lizards were studied. Residence time was found to affect the relative frequency of headbob displays, but the direction of the effect relied on opponent proximity. The results indicate that signalling during territory establishment is ruled differently when potential competitors are at short or long distances.

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