New publication: Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion

Myself and co-authors are excited to share our latest paper: Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion https://connectsci.au/zo/article/74/2/ZO25050/268772/Evidence-for-social-transmission-of-foraging

Abstract: In mammals, social transmission of information from mother to offspring can help young to develop specialised and complex foraging behaviours. Although this social transmission is well recognised in some marine mammals, no conclusive evidence has been reported for otariids (fur seals and sea lions). Here, using animal-borne video and movement data from an adult female Australian sea lion, we provide evidence for mother-to-pup social transmission of foraging behaviour. Social transmission of foraging behaviour may be a component of development in Australian sea lions, whereby prolonged maternal care (~18 months) could provide mothers the opportunity to demonstrate foraging behaviours to pups.

Don't hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions.

Southern Seas Ecology Laboratory, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide

South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) (Aquatic Sciences)