Year-round sexual segregation in the Pyrenean chamois, a nearly monomorphic polygynous herbivore

摘要: Adult females and males live apart outside the mating period in many social vertebrates, but causes of this phenomenon remain a matter debate. Current prevailing hypotheses predict no sexual segregation early maternal care nearly monomorphic species such as Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica). We examined population species, using data collected over 143 consecutive months on groups' location composition, extending statistical procedures introduced by Conradt (1998b) Bonenfant et al. (2007). In addition, we analysed interactions recorded between group members. As expected, habitat was low throughout year, with maximum during lactation period. However, spatial consistently high, contradicting predictions current hypotheses, while suggesting were predominant. The scarcity season makes unlikely hypothesis that segregate to improve their reproductive success. rather suspect higher affinities within than two sexes are at work. alone is probably insufficient account for segregation. Our results should revive debate regarding