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What initiates these communication behaviors?
What initiates these communication behaviors?
Scent Mounds
Scent Mounds
For beavers, it is important to defend a territory so that they can have enough food and wood resources to eat and build their lodges. We talked about in the introduction slide what these scent mounds are but what triggers this behavior?
A study by Muller-Schwarze & Heckman (1980) found that beavers created more scent mounds in the presence of close neighbors compared to more isolated colonies. Therefore, the number of scent mounds is density-dependent and initiated by proximity to close neighbors. Also, when the researchers artificially scent-marked unoccupied lodges, beavers were less likely to go there compared to unscented lodges. This shows that the use of the beaver's castor gland for scent markings is an effective communication method that most other beaver's respect. But these beavers are not afraid to fight if a beaver does not respect their territories and crosses over.
Tail Slapping
Tail Slapping
The mechanism that causes tail slapping behavior is the presence of predators. Once a predator is sighted, the beaver will slap its tail against the water and then dive down into the lodge for safety. The slap on the water makes a very loud noise that warns all the other beavers that a predator is in the area. This allows for the other family members to also find safety.
The main predators of beavers are coyotes, bears, wolves, foxes, hawks, and lynx. Humans have even been a major predator to beavers especially in the trapping age. Beavers have to be constantly aware of the threats in the air, water, and land (Pennsylvania, 2022).
Vocalizations
Vocalizations
Imagine living in a community where no one could talk. How would we accomplish anything! Vocal communication is such an amazing gift to be able to communicate. Now imagine not ever coming in contact with any other human being for the rest of your life. Would you still speak? Would there be a need to?
The vocalization of beaver is purely caused by the presence of other beavers in their family groups or intruders. Their tight family groups create a lot of interactions. Especially when they do everything together. Their interactions are made easier by vocalizations to communicate. Having others around will cause their vocalizations, however, the type of vocalization is dependent on who they are around. In an aggressive interaction, hissing may take place to scare off intruders or in family member fights. Thier clicking noises and other vocalization patterns are often heard inside the lodges. Research has not very clearly discovered what these vocalizations are for (Navakowski, 1969). But its sweet to think that beavers communicate with their family members in their homes just like humans.
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