Territoriality and dominance in male Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus)

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Abstract
The spacing system and associated aggressive behavior of male Columbian ground squirrels in southwestern Alberts [Canada] was described for the 2 mo. following emergence from hibernation. Adult males (> 2 yr old) were classified as dominant if they chased other males more than they were chased by them within their core areas and subordinate if the reverse was true. For dominant males, the proportion of interactions in which they were chased was much less within their core areas than outside them, and defended boundaries between some pairs of adjacent males were apparent from locations of chases and chase reversals. Males maintained spatiotemporal territories. For subordinate males, the proportion of interactions in which they were chased was similar inside and outside their core areas. They were subordinate in most interactions with any territorial male. Status (dominant-territorial or subordinate) was related to age. Most 2 and 3 yr old males were subordinate and all males 4 yr or older were territorial. Among different groups of male Columbian ground squirrels, variation in expression of the spacing system may depend on habitat features that affect visual contact among squirrels and age and length of residence of the males in the area.