Agonism and Territoriality in the California Ground Squirrel

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Abstract
A field study of the California ground squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi, was conducted to quantify agonistic and territorial behaviors. Adult males were usually dominant over adult females. Adult males and females were intrasexually agonistic during the prebreeding, breeding, and early pregnancy periods. Resident adult males were territorial towards intruding males, but in two cases two males may have been co-dominant. The ranges of some resident adult males overlapped much of the ranges of one or more “associated” adult females. Adult males courted and appeared to guard adult females during the mating season. Characteristics of agonistic behaviors and intersexual interactions were examined to evaluate likely explanations for the evolution of intrasexual agonistic behaviors. Adult male California ground squirrels may be territorial to procure and sequester mates, whereas adult females may be agonistic to procure and sequester environmental resources. Resources so procured may affect the survival of offspring.

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