Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Mafli, A., Wakamatsu, K., & Roulin, A. (2011). Melanin-based coloration predicts aggressiveness and boldness in captive eastern hermann’s tortoises. Animal Behavior, 81(4), 859–863.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (25 Jun 2011 12:41:45 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.01.025 BibTeX citation key: Mafli2011 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Testudo, Testudo hermanni, Verhalten = ethology Creators: Mafli, Roulin, Wakamatsu Collection: Animal Behavior |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Testudo hermanni Although body coloration is often used in social interactions, few studies have tested whether it is linked to a suite of behavioural traits. We examined whether among captive adult male eastern Hermann’s tortoises, Eurotestudo boettgeri, behavioural patterns covary with eumelanic coloration of the shell. Dark eumelanic males were more aggressive in male–male confrontations and bolder towards humans. These relationships were independent of body size and ambient temperature. Activity level and exploration were not significantly associated with coloration. We conclude that, at least in captivity, melanic shell coloration predicts agonistic behaviour towards conspecifics and fearfulness towards humans (i.e. boldness).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |