Quantitative and Functional Variations of Certain Behaviour Patterns in Male Thomson's Gazelle of Different Social Status

摘要: This paper gives information on quantitative differences and functional variations of certain behaviour patterns (marking with preorbital glands, urination/defecation, object aggression, horn threat, fight, grazing ritual, chasing a ♂, ♀, neck-stretch, nose-up, flehmen, laufschlag, mounting, copulation) in adult ♂ Thomson's gazelle different social status (ten territorial ten bachelors stationary all-♂ groups, migratory mixed herds during 121/2 hour periods) the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). Most under discussion, at least occasionally occur, all three classes. The exceptions are advanced mating rituals (beyond flehmen caesura) copulations which were exclusively observed ♂. On other hand, most these significantly more frequent (in very few cases, least, equally frequent) as compared to non-territorial — or single exception threats than Quite number corresponding occur about often (or some better: infrequently) migr atory (urination/defecation, copulation - fights found be somewhat numerous bachelors). nose-up mounting) Marking activities gland secretion, possibly also aggression) increased since they create marking system within their territories (which, apparently, is important means orientation owner for repelling strangers). Since production secretion goes time, have get rid it mark relatively frequently. Certain observations well increase (as bachelors) seem indicate that may trails. encounters between neighbours characterized by reciprocal threats, fights, rituals. Non-territorial expelled from one-sided chases. Thus, forms aggression serve establish maintain boundaries, them well-pronounced quite Grazing even so exceptional individuals usually, occurrence can safely taken an indication Among major function aggressive coordination synchronization group (mainly, speeding up activity changes "pushing" moves). threat appears suitable form purposes. explains its numerical preponderance herds, Reproduction occurs only tommy Therefore, march laufschlag (withous nose-up), mounting phase, (only one per ritual), individuals. Neck-stretch display (with without laufschlag), belong early phases any "sexual" use not strict sense, but soliciting urine (which leads flehnten. ♂), herding ♀ territories. In bachelors, neck-stretch rather infrequent, herds. With chase, behavioural inventory among each toward same situations (activity changes, moves), "courtship" displays functionally equivalent situations, "motors migration" this species.