Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (Pteronura brasiliensis) encode information on group identity.

ABSTRACT: Group living animals often engage in corporate territorial defence. Territorial group vocalizations can provide information about group identity, size and composition. Neighbouring groups may use this information to avoid unfavourable direct conflicts. Giant otters are highly social and territorial animals with an elaborate vocal repertoire. They produce long-range screams when they are alert or excited, i.e. in an alarm, isolation or begging context. Long-range screams are not only produced by one individual at a time ('single screams') but also by multiple group members simultaneously, resulting in a highly conspicuous 'group chorus'. Wild giant otters regularly produce group choruses during interactions with predators, when they detect intruders in their territory or before group reunio

SUBMITTER: Mumm CAS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5638252 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature