Sex-associated and context-dependent leadership in the rock hyrax.

ABSTRACT: In many mammalian species, both sexes may take leadership role, but different traits may play a role in determining variation within species. Here we examine the effect of sex on leadership. We present three complementary datasets derived from a well-studied population of wild rock hyrax (Procavia capensis). The findings demonstrated that male and female rock hyraxes take on different leadership positions, depending on the context. When risk is moderate, more likely to lead are younger resident males, which experience high cortisol and lower testosterone levels. However, during acute predation scenarios, more likely to lead are males with lower centrality status. We suggest that hyrax males exhibit risky behaviors that may reflect their need for self-advertisement. In contrast, lead

SUBMITTER: Goll Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8961210 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature