Personality shapes inter- and intraspecific interactions in rodents: a behavioral experiment with Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

What is it about?

In natural environment, inter- and intra-specific competition exist in the complex antagonistic networks of all animal species, and the competitive advantage is vital for animal individual and population. The competitive advantage in animals is affected by many factors, including the personality. However, the influence of personality on animal inter- and intra-specific interaction is unclear. This study shows that animal personality shows significant sex difference, and personality traits play an important role in the interspecific and intraspecific interactions, which the bold individuals may occupy a dominant position in the intraspecific and interspecific relationships. This study will be meaningful in exploring the animal behavior and species niche differentiation. And this study also suggests that managing animal personality may play an important role in the captive breeding and recovery programs of endangered species.

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