 Asian elephant drawing
by Mary Amaral |
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| Asian elephant drawing
by Mary Amaral |
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Our research group centers its activities on communication related to group dynamics and reproductive behavior in social mammals. The approach in my research group involves both proximate and ultimate components. Understanding behavior also is important in the conservation of species and ecosystems. For these combined interests, our focus has been on herbivores that act as ecosystem engineers in their respective habitats, namely beavers and elephants. We have just recently initiated research on the social behavior of manatees. If you are interested in supporting our research, please see below.
All three of these mammals are important herbivores in their respective habitats. They modify the physical structure of their environment and alter the flow of energy and nutrients. As such, the behavioral ecology and conservation of these species are important concerns. Our studies strive to incorporate applications of our findings to improve the conservation and management of these species and their ecosystems.
Our research on communication among and across modalities explores the interaction of sender state and receiver condition on the structure and meaning of social signals. To date this research has examined scent mound signals in North American beaver (e.g. Schulte 1998) and urinary chemical signals in Asian elephants (Schulte & Rasmussen 1999). We are expanding this research to explore the influence of multiple signals within a single modality and the influence on the behavior of a receiver of simultaneous separate modality signals (multimodal communication).
Beavers are an interesting model system for studies on social communication and territorial behavior. Beavers are monogamous and may mate for life, living in extended family units prior to dispersal of offspring in their first, second or third year. Active primarily at night, beavers rely upon their sense of smell to navigate, locate food, detect predators and distinguish conspecifics. In collaboration with Lixing Sun and Dietland Müller-Schwarze, we are examining the interplay of chemosignals from different beaver 'glands'. Castor sacs release a urine-based suite of chemicals that function primarily in territorial signaling, although degrees of individual identity appear to be encoded. The viscous fluid from the anal glands is sexually dimorphic and apparently signals individuality (kin recognition). We are examining the sources of variability in these signals (e.g. diet and genetics) as well as the interaction between the two sources of signals in eliciting responses from receivers.
Social signals are highly prevalent among elephants but more abundant among the female-directed social groups compared to the much more solitary existence of adult males. In collaboration with Dr. L.E.L. (Bets) Rasmussen, we have explored intrasexual and intersexual signals in elephant societies. Dr. Rasmussen and her colleagues have identified a sexual pheromone emitted in the urine by female Asian elephants to attract and stimulate conspecific males. Our current interests are many but the most active aspect is a project on captive and wild African elephant communication and conservation. The reproductive state of males and females is an extremely important component in the type of signal sent and the response elicited, so we examining communication over development and across reproductive states for males and females.
We also have several projects examining the social and
reproductive behavior of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
in captivity and in the wild. We are examining the activity patterns and
sensory biology of manatees. Dr. Iske Larkin at the University of Florida
is our main collaborator in this research but we benefit from close associations
with facilities housing captive manatees as well as state and federal agencies.
As this projects develops we will learn more about social signals and the
interplay between reproductive state and behavior in this endangered species.
Ms Jennifer Young completed her M. Sc. Thesis on the behavior of captive
manatees and is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida with Dr. Roger
Reep. We are working on two manuscripts from Jenny's thesis concerning the
influence of captivity on behavior and evidence for social behavior in captive
manatees. This research was facilitated by assistance from the Sirenia Project,
each of the facilities housing manatees in Florida, the Jane Smith Turner
Foundation, the Eppley Foundation, and Georgia Southern University.
We welcome additional graduate students for involvement in any of these research areas as well as undergraduates and professional collaborators. Contact Dr. Schulte by electronic mail at: bschulte@georgiasouthern.edu
Go the these links if you are interested in more information about Georgia Southern University and the Biology Department at Georgia Southern University.
The content of personal and other unofficial home pages is not sanctioned by Georgia Southern University and does not represent official information or opinions of the University. Bruce A. Schulte is solely responsible for the contents of this page. Last Updated on 12/13/04 by Bruce Schulte. You are visitor #11103 to this page.
Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University
last modified: 12/13/04