Amiyaal Ilany

Title: Sociality in hyraxes and hyenas.

Date: 30 April 2024

Summary

I will describe observational and experimental studies focusing on social network dynamics in the rock hyrax and spotted hyena, as well as simple models of the dynamics of social networks. These studies highlight sociality at different scales, from seconds to years, and demonstrate the flexibility of social animals and the many factors that are at play. I will show that social dynamics may result from individuals' efforts to maintain social homeostasis. The effect of social associations on microbial strain transmission will be illustrated.

Suggested Readings:

1. High-resolution tracking of hyrax social interactions highlights nighttime drivers of animal sociality.

2. Rank-dependent social inheritance determines social network structure in spotted hyenas.

3. Social inheritance can explain the structure of animal social networks.