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Signal detection theory applied to giant pandas: Do pandas go out of their way to make sure their scent marks are found?
  • +5
  • Yue Wang,
  • Ronald Swaisgood,
  • Wei Wei,
  • Hong Zhou,
  • Feiyun Yuan,
  • Mingsheng Hong,
  • Han Han,
  • zejun Zhang
Yue Wang
China West Normal University
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Ronald Swaisgood
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research
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Wei Wei
China West Normal University
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Hong Zhou
China West Normal University
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Feiyun Yuan
Sichuan Tibetan Area Expressway Co., Ltd.
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Mingsheng Hong
China West Normal University
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Han Han
Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education)

Corresponding Author:hanghang739@hotmail.com

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zejun Zhang
China West Normal University
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Abstract

The purpose of inter-animal communication is to allow signals released by the animal to be perceived by others. Scent marking, with its characteristics of specificity and delay, is thought to be the primary mode of communication in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The “signal detection theory” predicts that animals choose the substrate and location of their scent marks so that the signals released are transmitted more widely and remain longer. As an energetically marginal species, the cost of generating and marking chemical signals is costly for pandas, so they are predicted to make trade-offs in scent marking. However, existing studies do not account for the selective preferences of pandas for marking, as they are only explained by the density of marks at a certain location. Our study wanted to investigate whether the marking behavior of pandas is indeed consistent with signal detection theory. For the first time, we propose to use fecal counts to reflect the intensity of habitat use by pandas, combined with mark counts to determine the selective preference for marking. Our findings show that the scent marking behavior of pandas is consistent with signal detection theory, and that they go out of their way to ensure that their marks are detected. The results of the study will help us to further develop the conservation of pandas and their habitats.
25 Apr 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
26 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
26 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
05 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
24 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
17 Jul 20231st Revision Received
18 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
18 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
18 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Aug 20232nd Revision Received
18 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
18 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
18 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept