Yawning informs behavioural state changing in wild spotted hyaenas

Abstract Yawning is a complex behaviour linked to several physiological (e.g. drowsiness, arousal, thermoregulation) and social phenomena yawn contagion). Being yawning an evolutionary well-conserved, fixed action pattern widespread in vertebrates, it valuable candidate test hypotheses on its potential functions across the different taxa. The spotted hyaena ( Crocuta crocuta ), most cooperative species of Hyaenidae family, good model correlates significances. Through accurate sequential analysis performed group wild hyaenas, we found that mainly occurred during imminent behavioural state changing both juveniles adults seeing others’ elicited mirror response receiver, thus demonstrating contagion present this species. These results taken together suggest change yawner such caught by observers engage motor resonance phenomenon, contagion, possibly effective anticipating yawners’ actions. Although additional data are necessary verify whether translates into subsequent convergence alignment, our spontaneous contagious can be fundamental building blocks basis animal synchronisation highly Significant statement pervasive many species, including humans. It considered as polyfunctional cue has role regulating interactions. While studies focussed primates, little amount effort was devoted exploring carnivores. We monitored hyaenas which one carnivore In immature adult subjects, subject frequently changed after spontaneously observer.