Determining Social Rank in Ungulates: A Comparison of Aggressive Interactions Recorded at a Bait Site and under Natural Conditions

摘要: Researchers often assume that dyadic interactions at bait sites have similar outcomes to those occurring under natural conditions, but this assumption has seldom been tested. I used aggressive recorded during 1994-97 among marked mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) compare relationships near an artificial salt lick with observed conditions. also examined how observations the affected structure of dominance matrices. The probability winning encounter was strongly and positively related age, both conditions lick. proportion adult females lost 2-yr-olds won by youngest individual females, however, more than doubled compared Two-year-old were 22 times likely win against 2-yr-old males A decrease in directional consistency index revealed repeated encounters same dyad inconsistent elsewhere. When added female matrices, number inconsistencies strength increased 2-8 matrices restricted Interactions seen caused substantial changes hierarchical rank goats. Because interaction rates high animals very concentrated trap site, recognition may difficult, explaining differences