Document: KAR-3-420-189

Dialect differences in the alarm calls of the golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) in Big Bear, California.

EILER, K.C.* and S.A.BANACK

California State University, Fullerton, CA 92831 USA 1

Abstract:
Animals like people have evolved regional dialectal differences. These differences, combined with social behavior and isolation can contribute to speciation. Documentation of distinct calls between closely related species has been used as evidence to describe species as taxonomically independent. We examined the acoustic vocalizations of a previously unstudied, geographically isolated population of golden-mantle ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) in Big Bear, California. We hypothesized that unique vocalization parameters would be evident in this population as a result of the prolonged isolation. We compared alarm calls from the Big Bear population with a population in Reno, Nevada (representing the general population) using bioacoustical software Canary. Variation within and between individuals and populations is being examined using seven parameters: peak frequency, bandwidth of peak frequency, minimum and maximum frequency, number of harmonics, and duration. Identification of unique parameters would provide incentive for additional studies to determine possible sub-specific status for the Big Bear population.

Keywords: squirrels

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This abstract is being presented at: 3:30 PM in session:
ANIMAL ECOLOGY