Staying put or leaving home: endocrine, neuroendocrine and behavioral consequences in male African striped mice

► We collected data from males of 16 family groups of striped mice. ► We mimicked alternative reproductive tactics observed in the field in captivity. ► We measured morphological, behavioral and hormonal differences, oxytocin and vasopressin. ► Solitary males had higher concentrations of stored vasopressin in the PVN and BNST. ► Solitary males are physiologically ready to increase vasopressin levels in the brain to switch tactic.