Lekking as collective behaviour.

Area of Science:

• Animal behaviour
• Evolutionary biology
• Spatial dynamics

Background:

• Lekking is a mating system where males gather in territories (leks) for females.
• Existing hypotheses for lek evolution often overlook spatial dynamics.
• Collective behaviour offers a new perspective on lek formation and maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a collective behaviour framework for understanding lekking.
• To investigate how simple local interactions shape lek spatial structure and dynamics.
• To explore proximate and ultimate factors influencing lek formation and maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Developed a spatially explicit agent-based model to simulate lek formation.
• Used agent rules including spatial fidelity, social interaction, and repulsion.
• Discussed applying high-resolution tracking (UAVs) to empirical studies like blackbuck leks.

Main Results:

• Agent-based model demonstrated how simple rules can create lek structures.
• Simulated synchronous departures of males for foraging.
• Highlighted the potential of collective behaviour models to explain lek dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Collective behaviour provides a novel lens for understanding lekking.
• Simple interactions and habitat structure are key to lek formation.
• Empirical tools like UAV tracking can validate collective behaviour models.