IMPACT OF HUMAN NUISANCE DISTURBANCE ON VIGILANCE AND GROUP SIZE OF A SOCIAL UNGULATE

摘要: In social ungulates, the proportion of time devoted to vigilance is a function group size (known as effect). We studied how varying levels human disturbance influence this in mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) along southern coastal plain Israel. Based on current theory, we predicted that changes slope should be associated with average size. heavily disturbed areas, individual increased bigger groups, causing vs. curve flatten, i.e., was high all sizes. Consequently, and accordance found negative relationship between disturbance. Specifically, open areas low levels, gazelles were groups than levels. species, disruption behavioral patterns by presence can affect their structure. Because structure key component evolution dynamics its have considerable effect population performance even if does not directly impact survival reproduction. Social due access natural an important consideration managing fragmented landscapes.