A Potential Tool for Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) Conservation: Individuality of Long-Range Barking Sequences
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Vocal individuality has been found in a number canid species. This natural variation can have applications in several aspects of species conservation, from behavioral studies to estimating population density or abundance. The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a North American canid listed as endangered in Canada and extirpated, endangered, or threatened in parts of the United States. The barking sequence is a long-range vocalization in the species' vocal repertoire. It consists of a series of barks and is most common during the mating season. We analyzed barking sequences recorded in a standardized context from 20 captive individuals (3 females and 17 males) housed in large, single-pair enclosures at a swift fox breeding facility. Using a discriminant function analysis with 7 temporal and spectral variables measured on barking sequences, we were able to correctly classify 99% of sequences to the correct individual. The most important discriminating variable was the mean spacing of barks in a barking sequence. Potential applications of such vocal individuality are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Mammalogy |
Volume | 84 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 1417-1427 |
ISSN | 0022-2372 |
Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Bibliographical note
Key words: animal communication, canidae, conservation, individuality, swift fox, vocalization, Vulpes velox
ID: 98144