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  1. Regurgitative food transfer among wild wolves

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    Author(s): L. David Mech; Paul C. Wolf; Jane M. Packard
    Date: 1999
    Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology
    Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
    Station: North Central Research Station
    PDF: View PDF  (510.51 KB)

    Description

    Few studies of monogamous canids have addressed regurgitation in the context of extended parental care and alloparental care within family groups. We studied food transfer by regurgitation in a pack of wolves on Ellesmere Island, North West Territories, Canada, during 6 summers from 1988 through 1996. All adult wolves, including yearlings and a post-reproductive female, regurgitated food. Although individuals regurgitated up to five times per bout, the overall ratio of regurgitations per bout was 1.5. Pups were more likely to receive regurgitations (81%) than the breeding female (14%) or auxiliaries (6%). The breeding male regurgitated mostly to the breeding female and pups, and the breeding female regurgitated primarily to pups. The relative effort of the breeding female was correlated with litter size (Kendall's = 0.93, P = 0.01).

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    Citation

    Mech, L. David; Wolf, Paul C.; Packard, Jane M. 1999. Regurgitative food transfer among wild wolves. Canadian Journal of Zoology

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