SCENT-MARKING AND TERRITORIAL BEHAVIOR OF ETHIOPIAN WOLVES CANIS-SIMENSIS

Scent-marking behaviour and inter-pack aggression were studied in wild Ethiopian wolf, Canis simensis, packs. Raised-leg urinations, followe d by ground scratching, were the most frequently deposited scent mark. Scent-marking rates were highest along or near territory boundaries, where distances between scent-marking sites were reduced and the propo rtion of multiple marks was increased, relative to other areas. Markin g rates increased with wolf numbers during patrols but not during othe r activities. Although all adult members of a pack contributed to scen t-marking, the dominant pair marked most frequently. Subadult males sc ent-marked occasionally but subadult females never did. Wolves vigorou sly over-marked neighbours' scent-marks. Most direct encounters betwee n neighbouring wolves at territory borders were aggressive and involve d repeated chases, and the larger group was most likely to win. Reside nt wolves were more tolerant of opposite-sex than same-sex neighbours. Resident wolves therefore signalled pack composition and status at ho me range borders by olfactory and auditory cues and by aggressive cont ests. Such signalling may reduce the occurrence of potentially costly inter-pack aggressive encounters at territory borders and provide info rmation on reproductive status.