G. Peters et A. Sliwa, ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION IN THE AARDWOLF, PROTELES CRISTATUS (CARNIVORA, HYAENIDAE), Zeitschrift fur Saugetierkunde, 62(4), 1997, pp. 219-238
Acoustic signalling behaviour of free-ranging and captive adult and ju
venile aardwolves (Proteles cristatus) is described, based on sonagrap
hic analyses of vocalizations and behavioural observations. In additio
n to relying heavily on olfactory communication, the aardwolf uses div
erse acoustic signals when interacting with conspecifics at close and
medium range but seems to lack a true long-range vocalization. Vocaliz
ations during agonistic interactions are the most diverse. About half
of the species' 9 sound types presently documented belong to graded sy
stems of sounds while the rest probably represents discrete types. It
is not yet fully established whether all sound types Listed actually f
unction as acoustic communication signals. As far as data are availabl
e the acoustic signal repertoire of aardwolves is considerably differe
nt from those of the other species of the Hyaenidae.