Coping with transition: Offspring risk and maternal behavioural changes at the end of the hiding phase

摘要: Hiding is a cooperative mother–infant behavioural strategy used by many ungulate species to mitigate infant predation risk. During the late stages of hiding phase, infants begin transition out and show changes that increase their exposure predators. Mothers in hider are known potentially costly habitat use, gregariousness vigilance behaviour at onset phase. However, effects transitional on maternal patterns understudied. In this study, we compare Thomson's gazelle, Eudorcas thomsonii, females with young transitioning fawns determine effect fawn behaviour. We found that, although were greater risk than younger while hidden, mothers less vigilant during periods. relied group membership rather heightened transition. Group apparently made possible shorter bouts relative fawns: more frequent activity probably enable relocate frequently, which helps mother keep up movements.