The influence of social interaction and season on weight change in woodchucks [Influence de l’interaction sociale et de la saison sur la masse corporelle des marmottes].

Résumé

Une coopération comportementale subtile favorise un développement pondéral plus important chez les individus groupés en contact visuel que chez les isolés. Sociability and social interaction play an important role in weight changes in woodchucks (Marmota monax). Woodchucks were visually isolated in outdoor pens and compared with woodchucks that were allowed visual contact. Visual contact between woodchucks influences weight change in a positive direction and directs the general activity patterns of these animals. The relative effect of visual contact decreases linearly from February to December and is correlated with season. Social interaction and sociability exert maximal influence in spring and minimal in autumn.