SOCIAL-BEHAVIOR OF ALPINE MARMOTS (MARMOTA-MARMOTA) - SEASONAL, GROUP, AND INDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY

The composition and social interactions of three family groups of Marm ota marmota were observed during a study in the Vanoise National Park (French Alps) from mid-June to late September. Interactions between me mbers of the same group were mainly cohesive, which confirms the socia l nature of this species. Social interactions between marmots from dif ferent family groups were rare and agonistic. The rate of social inter actions decreased as the season progressed, probably in relation to a shift in allocation of energy to preparation for hibernation. Some coh esive interactions increased just before immergence, when marmots rest ricted their activity to the main burrow system. Rates of social inter actions differed between groups and between individuals. Fewer agonist ic acts, more play-fighting, and persistence of play-fighting late in the active season among immatures suggest the influence of an ontogene tic component. The most agonistic of the studied groups included an ad ult male that had recently immigrated. He focused most of his agonisti c acts on three 2-year-old males, of which two dispersed during the se ason. Social events characteristic of each group, individual variabili ty, and level of familiarity between group members influence the quali ty of social interactions and the dispersal of immatures. Social relat ionships between familiar individuals are amicable and can facilitate the retention of immatures in their natal group as well as their recru itment by emigrant adults.