Effect of group size and reproductive status on faecal glucocorticoid concentration and vigilance in a free-ranging population of Przewalski's gazelle.

摘要: Elevated glucocorticoid (GC) concentration and increased vigilance are two common responses to predation risk in mammals. Chronic high-level GC occur at the expense of other life maintenance reproduction activities, reflecting a trade-off between individual survival future fecundity. Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) is group-living ungulate endemic high-altitude Qinghai Lake region China. Group-size effect on has been examined, yet little known about how their affected by group size or reproductive status. In this study, we examined status faecal metabolite (FGM) concentrations during different stages cycle (i.e. non-breeding, lambing rutting) free-ranging adult female gazelles. Group did not influence FGMs significantly, but mean duration with size. The gazelles' peaked season. showed no difference rutting season non-reproductive season, was lowest correlated frequency duration. Antipredator gazelles appear change females. Management measures should be taken minimize stress mother