Interactions and associations between age and sex classes in mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini) during winter

摘要: Abstract The fact that sexual segregation can occur in wild ruminants independently of sex-related differences habitat use suggests it results at least partly from social mechanisms. One the simplest mechanisms which be hypothesised is individuals avoid congener classes frequently try to interact with them (be these interactions ‘agonistic’ or ‘sexual’, since courtship behaviour components typically induce withdrawal when performed outside rut). aim present study was test, mouflon sheep ( Ovis gmelini ), whether age–sex exchange frequent on meeting rarely inside same groups. Observations were made during winter, a small population Germany. Interactions recorded an attractive site where all met daily. Foot transects conducted parallel over whole area order determine group composition. As expected, adults different sexes exchanged and found groups under free-ranging conditions, while adult females, who interacted little one another, quite associated. However, males simultaneously exhibited highest rate interaction frequency association conditions. Unlike female–female male–female pairs, clear initiator recipient predominated, male–male pairs often spectacular but ‘symmetrical’ (during two behaved way). hypothesis avoidance engage only holds for females. Adult rams seek companions whom symmetrical performed.