Infanticide (zoology)
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In animals, infanticide involves the intentional killing of young offspring by a mature animal of the same species. Animal infanticide is studied in zoology, specifically in the field of ethology. Ovicide is the analogous destruction of eggs. The practice has been observed in many species throughout the animal kingdom, especially primates but including microscopic rotifers, insects, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. Infanticide can be practiced by both males and females.
Lion cubs may be killed by males replacing other males in the pride.
Jacana jacana females carry out infanticide.
The Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
Damselfish may eat their own offspring.
Infanticide in primates
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Infanticide in non-human primates occurs when an individual kills its own or another individual's dependent young. Five hypotheses have been proposed to explain infanticide in non-human primates: exploitation, resource competition, parental manipulation, sexual selection, and social pathology.
A white-fronted capuchin sits in a tree. Cases of infanticide in white fronted capuchins have been attributed to resource competition.
Callicebus nigrifrons perched in the trees. Maternal infanticide due to resource competition has been reported in C. nigifrons.
A Hanuman langur mother feeding an infant. Female Hanuman langurs are known to utilize paternity confusion through concealed ovulation.