Social structure,vigilance and behaviour of plains zebra (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Equus burchellii</Emphasis>): a 5-year case study of individuals living on a managed wildlife reserve |
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Authors: | Heather I Simpson Sean A Rands Christine J Nicol |
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Institution: | (1) Natural Animal Veterinary Centre, Penhill, Trawsmawr, Carmarthen, Wales, SA33 6ND, UK;(2) School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK |
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Abstract: | Most studies of plains zebra (Equus burchellii) have focused on population ecology and have not included long-term observations of identified individuals. Over a 5-year
period, we studied the crepuscular activities of 13 individual zebras within a focal group held within a managed game reserve.
We also examined individual residency within the group by recording births, mortalities and longevity of group membership
by adults. Residency of individuals living in other groups on the reserve was similarly monitored to examine variability in
social structure within this closed population over an extended period of time. Stable, female groups were the mainstay of
group sociality with male mean residency at 31.6 months being variable in length or even absent. Social interactions across
all categories of zebras were free from aggression. Despite an absence of non-human predators, the proportion of dusk time
budget allocated to vigilance was high, at 41% for males during periods when they accompanied stable female groups and 12%
for females during these same periods. Female vigilance increased significantly to 19% when males were not resident. Females
spent 70% of the time grazing and males just 36%. Due to its long-term nature, we concluded this study established a base
line for plains zebra activity that could assist in understanding the factors that influence the successful management and
conservation of healthy populations. |
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