Observations of multiple reproductive females in groups of smooth‐coated otters

Abstract

Clutton-Brock, 2012a, 2012b, with various species relying on such systems to raise young and maintain their territories. Cooperative breeding systems are uncommon in mammals, present in about 5% of mammalian species (Lukas & Clutton-Brock, 2012b). In these species, a group typically includes a single mating pair, while other mature members of the group provide alloparental care for the pair's offspring without themselves reproducing (Lukas & Clutton-Brock, 2012b). Nonbreeding adults can be prevented from reproducing via suppressive means, such as infanticide or hormonal cues (Clutton-Brock, 2009). Nonbreeders remain with the group into adulthood, often until either one or both of the breeding pair dies, are ousted, or nonbreeding subordinates disperse and form their own groups (Lukas & Clutton-Brock, 2012b). In some species, such as giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), ageing females are known to cease reproduction and become "grandmothers," with younger females taking over the role of reproduction while the former matriarch may provide alloparental care (Davenport, 2010).In contrast, communal breeding entails systems where multiple females in a group breed and share resources in raising young (e.g.

Population distribution and causes of mortality of smooth-coated otters, Lutrogale perspicillata, in Singapore

“…While the numbers of breeding females per group were not recorded in this study, it is postulated that the abandoned pup was from a different breeding mother. Multiple reproductive females within a group were observed in the Bishan group in 2017 ( Bungum et al 2022 ).…”

Agonism between family groups of cooperative breeding smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata)

“…Video recordings were collected from otter watchers and citizen scientists in Singapore. Citizen science can be effective in animal behavior studies, and some studies glean data from public sources (Boydston et al, n.d.; Bungum et al, 2022; Bungum & Johns, 2022; Loong et al, n.d.). Gleaning data from public repositories can be particularly useful when the behavior is rare or difficult to find (Nelson & Fijn, 2013), like group territorial defense.…”

The influence of pups on aggressive interactions between smooth‐coated otters and water monitor lizards in Singapore

“…Crowd‐sourced data have been used for citizen science studies related to occupancy, ecology, and conservation for some time (see Cooper, 2016 for review). Citizen science can also be effective in animal behavior studies, and some studies glean data from public sources (e.g., Boydston et al, 2018 ; Bungum et al, 2022 ; Krueger et al, 2019 ; Loong et al, 2021 ). Gleaning data from public repositories, such as social media or YouTube, can be particularly useful when the behavior or species is rare or difficult to find (Nelson & Fijn, 2013 ).…”