Social Behaviour of Horses in Response to Vocalisations of Predators

摘要: We tested the hypothesis that social defensive responses to vocalisation of a predator still exist in horses. The recordings grey wolf, an Arabian leopard and golden jackal were played 20 Konik polski mares. Durations grazing, standing still, alert number steps walk trot/canter measured. In one-minute scans, distances focal horse from reference (DIST-RH) nearest loudspeaker (DIST-LS) approximated. aroused Arabians more than Koniks (less stand-still walk, stand-alert trotting/cantering). showed relaxed behaviours (more walk), but high alertness wolf playback (stand-alert, Spatial formation herd tight grouping (lower DIST-RH) maintaining distance potential threat response howling, while approached loudspeakers linear when growls played. Adult horses responded predation by changing spatial group formations. This ability apply strategy may be one explanations for least among all hunted farm animal species.