Mate guarding and gallivanting by male hoary marmots (Marmota caligata) [Surveillance des compagnes et recherche des partenaires chez les mâles de la marmotte givrée].

Résumé

Seven years data on the vernal behavior of hoary marmots, Marmota caligata, suggest that males engage in a two-part reproductive strategy, which consists of guarding their mates against possible copulation with additional males, and also gallivanting- wandering about in search of additional reproductive opportunities for themselves. Data are presented which support seven predictions derived from the assumption that mate guarding and gallivanting are parts of a reproductive strategy by male marmots.