Rape in the Lesser Snow Goose

Abstract

Rape attempts were found to be a consistent feature of Lesser Snow Goose biology. In the light of attendant male behaviour in response to a rape attempt on his mate as well as rapist behaviour and chronology of rapes relative to nesting, it is suggested that rape is part of the overall reproductive strategy of the male and therefore, evolutionarily relevant. Rape attempts were found to be a consistent feature of Lesser Snow Goose biology. In the light of attendant male behaviour in response to a rape attempt on his mate as well as rapist behaviour and chronology of rapes relative to nesting, it is suggested that rape is part of the overall reproductive strategy of the male and therefore, evolutionarily relevant.