Variables that influence dominance in the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) for food resources.

Abstract

We examined the effects of sex, weight, and reproductive condition on dominance of the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) over food resources. Another factor we looked at was the distance from a food resource to a chipmunk's burrow. Females were more dominant then males; they won 21 of the 31 interactions (Chi-square, p<0.05). Heavier chipmunks won 32 of 41 interactions over lighter ones. This was shown to be a highly significant relationship (Chi-Square, p<0.001). No relationship was shown between female reproductive status and chipmunk dominance (Chi-Square p>0.05); nevertheless, female chipmunks with enlarged nipples won eight of eleven interactions over those with tiny nipples. In all four cases, chipmunks won more interactions if feeders were closer to their burrow, and scrotal males won all three interactions with non-scrotal males; however, larger sample sizes were needed to asess the significance of these results.