Individual strategies, group dynamics and population regulation in singular cooperative breeders
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Life Sciences - Biology
Abstract
Most detailed studies of the regulation of population density in birds and mammals have focussed on studies where recruitment and survival decline as population density increases, eventually limiting population size. However, in some species, recruitment and survival increase with rising density, generating positive correlations known as Allee effects. Empirical studies show that effects of this kind are more widespread than was previously thought though our understanding of their causes and ecological consequences is still very limited. These effects appear to be particularly pronounced in cooperative breeders where one female in each group monopolises reproduction and non-breeding adults assist her to raise her offspring but, although studies have commonly investigated the evolution of reproductive strategies in these species, the ecological mechanisms controlling group size and population density have rarely been explored. This study will investigate the ecological processes limiting group size and population density in singular cooperative breeders using wild Kalahari meerkats (Suricata suricatta) as a model. It will test the prediction that positive correlations between group size and breeding success are a consequence of increases in the ability of group members to detect predators and will determine whether group size is limited by increasing rates of dispersal by subordinate females, caused by increasing intolerance by dominant females living in large groups. It will explore the effects of regulatory processes at the group level on dynamics and demography at the population level. Finally, it will investigate how group size and population dynamics are affected by variation in rainfall, food availability and disease. By exploring the unusual ecological mechanisms affecting population dynamics in meerkats, the project will provide an informed basis for the management and conservation of other animals subject to strong Allee effects.
Organisations
Publications
Simmonds E
(2014)
Analysis of phenotypic change in relation to climatic drivers in a population of Soay sheep Ovis aries
in Oikos
Smallegange IM
(2014)
Correlative changes in life-history variables in response to environmental change in a model organism.
in The American naturalist
Bateman AW
(2012)
Density dependence in group dynamics of a highly social mongoose, Suricata suricatta.
in The Journal of animal ecology
Cubaynes S
(2014)
Density-dependent intraspecific aggression regulates survival in northern Yellowstone wolves (Canis lupus).
in The Journal of animal ecology
Marshall HH
(2012)
Exploring foraging decisions in a social primate using discrete-choice models.
in The American naturalist
Songhurst A
(2014)
Exploring the effects of spatial autocorrelation when identifying key drivers of wildlife crop-raiding.
in Ecology and evolution
Steiner UK
(2014)
Generation time, net reproductive rate, and growth in stage-age-structured populations.
in The American naturalist
Gamelon M
(2015)
Linking demographic responses and life history tactics from longitudinal data in mammals
in Oikos
Marjamäki PH
(2013)
Local density and group size interacts with age and sex to determine direction and rate of social dispersal in a polygynous mammal.
in Ecology and evolution
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Sectors | Environment |