Sequential orgaqisation of social behaviour in captive adult and juvenile Macropus rufus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).

Abstract

The behavioural repertoire of Macropus rufus in captivity is described in comparison with data from literature. Most behavioural elements observed do not differ from those of free-ranging populations. Some new elements of agonistic and sexual behaviour are described. The sequential organisation of adult social behaviour allows a distinction between the functional categories of agonistic, friendly and sexual behaviour as well as a series of transitional elements. In sexual behaviour, low-intensity sexual checking can be distinguished from high-intensity courting and mating behaviour. In agonistic contexts a distinction between elements of ritualised and unritualised fighting is possible on the basis of sequences, with fixed sequences of behaviour patterns in ritualised fighting. Young M. rufus show nearly all behaviour patterns of adults, though frequently out of context. Their behavioural repertoire is not organised into different functional categories. Playfighting as well as running-play are not restricted to the mother-young dyad.