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Communication

Communication

Communication between two animals occurs when one animal transmits an information signal that causes a change in the animal that receives the information. Organisms communicate with one another in a host of different ways. Signals can be auditory, chemical, visual, tactile, or a combination of these. Communication is a critical behavioral adaptation that promotes survival, growth, and reproduction.

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Graded alarm call behavior in wild fox squirrels (Sciurus niger).

Valerie M Eddington^1,2,3, Hannah K Nichols¹, Adrienne Calistri-Yeh⁴

¹Department of Biology, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

|February 13, 2024

Summary

Fox squirrels emit distress vocalizations, modifying their alarm calls based on threat levels. This study reveals a graded alarm call system in fox squirrels, independent of sex or experience.

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Area of Science:

Animal behavior
Bioacoustics
Ecology

Background:

Distress or alarm calls are vocalizations animals use in stressful situations or when facing predators.
Previous research on alarm vocalizations in squirrels (Sciuridae) has primarily focused on ground squirrels, with limited investigation into arboreal species.
The arboreal fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is known for its vocalizations, but its alarm call behavior requires further study.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the acoustic behavior of the arboreal fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) under varying conditions.
To test the hypothesis that fox squirrels adjust their alarm vocalizations in response to different perceived threat levels.
To determine if sex and individual experience influence the fox squirrel's acoustic alarm response.

Main Methods:

Acoustic data were collected from trapped fox squirrels under four conditions: isolation, approach by humans, manipulation in traps, and handling.
Vocalizations were categorized based on acoustic features.
Call rates (calls/s) were quantified across the different threat conditions.

Main Results:

Threat level significantly impacted the overall vocal rate, with squirrels vocalizing more when alone.
Fox squirrels altered the proportion of emitted call types as the perceived threat level increased.
Neither sex, capture history, nor individual differences affected the call rate.

Conclusions:

Fox squirrels exhibit a graded alarm call response system, adjusting their vocalizations based on the level of perceived threat.
The study highlights the complexity of alarm communication in arboreal squirrels.
Findings contribute to understanding anti-predator behavior and vocal communication in Sciuridae.