# BRC-BIO: The role of resources and competition in shaping fine-scale territorial and fission-fusion dynamics in a non-model population of a model species

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Macalester College (MN) · $414,830

## Abstract

Animal sociality often presents a paradox: individuals living in groups must share valuable resources—such as food, mates, and territory—while also striving to maximize their own reproductive and survival success. A central question in animal ecology, therefore, is why animals form groups and what the associated costs and benefits are. Lions in resource-rich savanna habitats have long served as a model for studying social behavior in mammals, with extensive research shedding light on the drivers and consequences of their group living. However, lions also inhabit a range of ecosystems beyond savannas. Recent comparative research by the principal investigator in a forested ecosystem demonstrates that lion social behavior is highly context-dependent, varying significantly with ecological conditions. This project builds on that insight by investigating lion sociality in a semi-arid environment—Kenya’s Tsavo Ecosystem. Using advanced biotelemetry, remote cameras, and direct observations, the study will track individual lions and their groups to identify the ecological drivers of social behavior in this non-model population. The project will also develop a new lion monitoring software, supporting long-term research, education, and conservation efforts. Additionally, by providing immersive field and analytical research experiences for undergraduates and post-baccalaureate researchers, while integrating findings into course curricula, this project advances the NSF mission of building

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2436449
- **Awardee organization:** Macalester College (MN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MNFCECSHS166
- **PI:** Stotra Chakrabarti
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $414,830
- **Funds obligated:** $414,830
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/15/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2436449

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2436449, BRC-BIO: The role of resources and competition in shaping fine-scale territorial and fission-fusion dynamics in a non-model population of a model species. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2436449. Licensed CC0.

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