Aardwolf mating system: Overt cuckoldry in an apparently monogamous mammal

TLDR

In monogamous species, evolutionary theory predicts males should maximize reproductive success by being promiscuous and guarding mates to avoid cuckoldry, yet documented true cuckoldry is rare in mammals. The study examines the conflicting reproductive interests and consequences for males and females in the aardwolf mating system. The aardwolf, though apparently monogamous, engages in regular promiscuous matings that result in some males effectively cuckolding their neighbors.

Abstract

It is generally believed that in any monogamous species, according to evolutionary theory, males should attempt to maximize their reproductive Success by being promiscuous, when such opportunities arise. Similarly, it is an even more jundamental principle that monogamous males vigorously guard oestrousjemales in order to avoid being cuckolded. This competition jor mating opportunities is particularly evident in birds, as seen in numerous records oj attempted andjorced extra-pair copulations, particularly in waterjowl. Nevertheless, records oj true cuckoldry - raising oj another unrelated male's ojjspring as a result oj promiscuous matings - include only a jew examples oj birds, and none oj mammals (except man). The aardwo/f is an apparently monogamous mammal that practices regular promiscuous matings, as a result oj which some males would appear to be cuckolding their neighbours. The conjlicting interests and the reproductive consequences jor males and jemales are considered in terms oj this mating system.