Visual communication in social play of a hierarchical carnivore species: the case of wild spotted hyenas.

ABSTRACT: Communication relies on signals that can be produced via different sensory modalities to modify receivers' behavior. During social interactions, the possibility to perceive subtle visual cues enhances the use of facial expressions to exchange information. One of the most appropriate fields to explore the specific design features of visual signals is play fighting. Here, we explored the production and potential role of Relaxed Open Mouth (ROM) and Head Bobbing (HB) in regulating play fighting of wild spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta, a highly hierarchical carnivore species. In accordance with the assumptions of the signal optimization theory, wild hyenas produced ROM and HB almost exclusively when the sender was in direct visual contact with the receiver thus suggesting that senders we

SUBMITTER: Nolfo AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9450175 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature