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The social function of latrines: a hypothesis-driven research approach

Alternative title:
Conference paper
Abstract:
The function of latrines is still debated in many mammals, and in most cases latrine use is likely multi-functional. Functional hypotheses can be broadly divided into five categories that are not all mutually exclusive: resource defence, information centre/advertisement, landmarks/orientation, parasite control, or predator–prey interactions. To standardise all investigations into latrine function across species, we present a hypothesis-driven research framework based on the following five key categories of data that can, and we argue should, be collected from latrines: (1) spatial distribution patterns; (2) temporal usage patterns; (3) individual visitation and contribution patterns (to individual latrines); (4) behaviour of visitors; and (5) scent signal content and longevity. We suggest that our proposed approach offers a much-needed standardised structure to guide investigation into the function of latrine use in mammals.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Zoology
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Springer
Host title:
Chemical Signals in Vertebrates
Volume:
14
Pages:
94-103
Publication date:
2019-07-20
Acceptance date:
2019-02-01
Event title:
14th triennial meeting of the Chemical Signals in Vertebrates (CSiV) group
Event location:
Cardiff University, Wales
DOI:
EISBN:
9783030176167
ISBN:
9783030176150


Language:
English
Pubs id:
pubs:971375
UUID:
uuid:788298e3-47ed-4c22-baf0-afb2fcb62e11
Local pid:
pubs:971375
Source identifiers:
971375
Deposit date:
2019-02-12

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