Temporal variation in foraging activity and grouping patterns in a mountain-dwelling herbivore: environmental and endogenous drivers

摘要: Abstract In temperate ecosystems, seasonality influences animal behaviour. Food availability, weather, photoperiod and endogenous factors relevant to the biological cycle of individuals have been shown as major drivers temporal changes in activity rhythms group size/structure herbivorous species. We evaluated how diurnal female foraging grouping patterns a mountain herbivore, Apennine chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata, varied during decreasing gradient pasture availability along summer-autumn progression (July–October), crucial period for life ungulates. Females increased activity, possibly because constrains elicited by variation environmental factors. Size mixed groups did not vary, contrast with hypothesis that should be smaller when is lower. Proportion females increased, suggesting they concentrated on patchily distributed nutritious forbs. Occurrence yearlings decreased, which may depended dispersal this age class. Presence kids show through summer-autumn, close mother-juvenile relationship even at end weaning and/or, possibly, low summer mortality. Both contribute shape behaviour mountain-dwelling herbivores.