Hunting Behavior and Social Ecology of African Wild Dogs

Jordan, Neil R.; Golabek, Krystyna A.; Marneweck, Courtney J.; Marneweck, David G.; Mbizah, Moreangels M.; Ngatia, Dedan; Rabaiotti, Daniella; Tshimologo, Botilo; Watermeyer, Jessica

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-29803-5_6

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 139 publications

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“…This ability is also observed when dogs hunt. Hunting in canids is based on the transfer of information between individuals during group movements [59,60] and as observed in African Wild Dogs, it implies that individuals focus their attention on a single prey and relate to one another in space and time [61,62]. Dogs, like other canids, are able to identify the position and activity of their partners in order to hunt cooperatively.…”

Section: Are Prerequisites Of Motor Resonance Present In Dogs?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioural Synchronisation between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance?

Lamontagne,

Gaunet

2024

Animals

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Dogs’ behavioural synchronisation with humans is of growing scientific interest. However, studies lack a comprehensive exploration of the neurocognitive foundations of this social cognitive ability. Drawing parallels from the mechanisms underlying behavioural synchronisation in humans, specifically motor resonance and the recruitment of mirror neurons, we hypothesise that dogs’ behavioural synchronisation with humans is underpinned by a similar mechanism, namely interspecific motor resonance. Based on a literature review, we argue that dogs possess the prerequisites for motor resonance, and we suggest that interspecific behavioural synchronisation relies on the activation of both human and canine mirror neurons. Furthermore, interspecific behavioural studies highlight certain characteristics of motor resonance, including motor contagion and its social modulators. While these findings strongly suggest the potential existence of interspecific motor resonance, direct proof remains to be established. Our analysis thus paves the way for future research to confirm the existence of interspecific motor resonance as the neurocognitive foundation for interspecific behavioural synchronisation. Unravelling the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying this behavioural adjustment holds profound implications for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of dogs alongside humans and improving the day-to-day management of dog–human interactions.

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Section: Are Prerequisites Of Motor Resonance Present In Dogs?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioural Synchronisation between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance?

Lamontagne,

Gaunet

2024

Animals

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Adaptations to sociality in the mimetic and auricular musculature of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

Smith,

Felix,

Rocco

et al. 2024

The Anatomical Record

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The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is a highly social canid that engages in sophisticated, coordinated group hunting tactics to procure large game. It is one of the most effective hunters of the African savannah, due to its highly developed communication methods. It also has large, mobile ears which enhance its auditory capabilities while hunting and assist with thermoregulation. Recent research suggested that certain muscles of facial expression, particularly those involved with expressive eyebrow movement, evolved solely in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) to facilitate communication with their human owners. However, it is unclear whether highly social wild canid species may also employ similar expressive eye communication. We performed detailed dissections of an adult male L. pictus to evaluate and describe its mimetic and auricular musculature. Overall, L. pictus has well‐developed facial and ear muscles. Musculi levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM) and retractor anguli oculi lateralis (RAOL), mimetic muscles of hypothesized importance in domestic dog‐human non‐verbal communication, are enlarged in L. pictus, comparable in size to those of domestic dogs, as is m. orbicularis oculi. This morphology suggests that ocular facial expressions contribute to within‐pack communication in wild dogs and are not unique to domestic dogs. The auricular muscles of L. pictus are well‐developed, supporting greater leverage and fine manipulation of its large, mobile ears. These muscular adaptations facilitate the highly social ecology of African wild dogs and challenge current interpretations about the unique nature of domestic dog facial expressions.

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Sociality and its Relevance in Group Hunting Mammalian Predators

Srinivasan,

Würsig

2023

Fascinating Life Sciences

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Hunting Behavior and Social Ecology of African Wild Dogs

Cited by 4 publications

References 139 publications

Behavioural Synchronisation between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance?

Behavioural Synchronisation between Dogs and Humans: Unveiling Interspecific Motor Resonance?

Adaptations to sociality in the mimetic and auricular musculature of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)

Sociality and its Relevance in Group Hunting Mammalian Predators

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