Philopatry in mouflon rams during the rutting season: Psycho-ethological determinism and functional consequences.

摘要: Our study of mouflon (Ovis musimon) rams in the Caroux-Espinouse massif (southern France) shows that several forms philopatry occur. Some were sedentary, as ewes, up to age four years. Most rams, however, started enlarge their home range from two Rams intermediate visited birth ranges during various periods year, whereas adult males returned only rut. As potential mates present on most dispersive males, it is difficult interpret this process merely terms adaptation. We propose, instead, a psycho-ethological explanation, whereby physiological disturbances intervening rut alter significance range, ram having update whole set its sensory-motor past. This interpretation suggests animal has no representation any pre-defined place, nor fixed aim. would be able reduce imbalances they experience by creating type behaviour driven self-referential process, where spatial investment outweigh other evaluation, an adaptative cost related possible inbreeding. approach leads reconsider importance animal's cognition and generally speaking way relates environment.