Frequent Whiskers evictee Laika
Photo by Laura Salamone-Maiden
Frequent Alba evictee Kilie
Photo by Laura Salamone-Maiden
Cooperative breeding within meerkat society is discussed in this month’s Meerkatter. The focus is on dominance assertion in Alba and Whiskers, in which the dominant females are particularly keen to evict the adult subordinate females.
For almost three years, Trackie-Daks has been a habituation group. While their habituation status is still in progress, July marks the beginning of adlib sessions during which the group is followed, weighed and behavioral data collected.
Trackie-Daks
Photo by Bieke Maex
Lazuli Dominant Male Odin
Photo by Laura Salamone-Maiden
Former Lazuli dominant female Sigma’s daughter Dumpling (VLF272) took over female dominance after Sigma’s death. Dominant male Odin (VLM266) is potentially Dumpling’s father, so it was no surprise that following an IGI between Lazuli and Dik-Diks, he joined Dik-Diks to make a bid for male dominance there. However, after another IGI later that day, a confused Odin ended back up at Lazuli!
Vetkoeks Dominant Male Mion
Photo by Laura Salamone-Maiden
At Alba, Pucky (VECM023) was unseated as dominant male by Ozzie (VECM033). Male dominance at Vetkoeks has been settled with Zulus-born Mion (VZUM057) now on the throne next to dominant female Mooncake (VHMF053).
For the July 2023 Meerkatter click here.
Find the July 2023 Life History Chart here.
The July 2023 Group Territories Map is here.