Misurazione degli scambi comportamentali e della ritmicità delle interazioni vocali tra due specie di felini in cattività

Lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris) are closely related felid species with distinct natural habitats and social organizations. While lions tend to occupy open areas and are social animals, tigers inhabit forested areas and tend to be solitary. The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) and the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) share a natural habitat exclusively in the Gir National Park in India, while other subspecies live on separate continents or, in the case of the Asiatic lion and tiger in India, are ecologically separated. Both species are subject to conservation programs, both in-situ and ex-situ, due to historic overhunting and ongoing poaching. Despite being well-studied in terms of biology, circadian rhythms, and behavior, limited information is available regarding the vocal behavior and reciprocal interactions of these species. An increase in knowledge concerning the behavioral pattern and communicative systems of these species is crucial for conservation efforts, and studying these species in captivity can provide valuable insight in a controlled environment. A thorough understanding of how lions and tigers behave and coexist in captivity can lead to improved management practices. Specifically, this study aims at evaluating the behavior of tigers and lions in a safari-type structure, with a focus on their intra- and inter-specific behavioral interactions, including vocal ones. Additionally, this study analyzes the structure of vocalizations to determine whether they are characterized by a rhythmic pattern, providing insight into the role of vocal communication in this species. To achieve these goals, I will use different analytical techniques to compare and quantify the time budget of both species and to determine the level of vocal interactions between them. In particular, the latter will be investigated at three levels, focusing on i) the causal relationship and ii) sequentiality among vocalizing individuals, as well as on iii) the characterization of rhythmic patterns of both species vocalizations. By conducting this study, I hope to provide valuable insight into the behavior of lions and tigers in captivity, which can inform management practices and contribute to the conservation of these magnificent species.