Reproductive success is predicted by social dynamics and kinship in managed animal populations.

ABSTRACT: Kin and group interactions are important determinants of reproductive success in many species. Their optimization could, therefore, potentially improve the productivity and breeding success of managed populations used for agricultural and conservation purposes. Here we demonstrate this potential using a novel approach to measure and predict the effect of kin and group dynamics on reproductive output in a well-known species, the meerkat Suricata suricatta. Variation in social dynamics predicts 30% of the individual variation in reproductive success of this species in managed populations, and accurately forecasts reproductive output at least two years into the future. Optimization of social dynamics in captive meerkat populations doubles their projected reproductive output. These resu

SUBMITTER: Newman SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5155502 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature