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Paw preference in wolves (Canis lupus): A preliminary study using manipulative tasks.
Barbara Regaiolli1, Luca Mancini2, Giorgio Vallortigara3
1Research & Conservation Department, Parco Natura Viva, Bussolengo, VR, Italy.
Laterality
|December 4, 2020
Summary
Paw preference in wolves (Canis lupus) shows individual lateralization, with most wolves favoring their right paw. This motor asymmetry was observed regardless of food or olfactory enrichment tasks, suggesting a consistent trait in these canids.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Behavioral and brain lateralization is common in vertebrates.
- Paw preference (pawedness) in domestic dogs is known to be sex and task-dependent.
- Limited research exists on motor lateralization in wolves (Canis lupus).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate paw preference in wolves during interaction with environmental enrichment.
- To determine if paw use asymmetry differs between food-related and olfactory tasks.
- To explore individual differences in paw lateralization within a wolf pack.
Main Methods:
- Seven wolves were observed interacting with food (FD) and olfactory (OLF) enrichment devices.
- Eleven sessions (22 total) were conducted for each enrichment condition.
- Paw manipulation (one vs. both paws) was recorded for each wolf.
Main Results:
- All observed wolves exhibited individual paw lateralization.
- Six out of seven wolves demonstrated a preference for their right paw.
- One wolf, the alpha male, showed a left paw preference, irrespective of enrichment type.
Conclusions:
- Wolves display consistent paw lateralization, with a majority being right-pawed.
- Individual paw preference may offer a practical advantage in manipulation tasks.
- Further research is needed to explore factors like temperament and social rank in wolf motor lateralization.
