Tilson, R. L., Sweeny, K. A., Binczik, G. A., & Reindl, N. J. (1988). Buddies and bullies: Social structure of a bachelor group of Przewalski horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 21(1-2), 169–185.
Abstract: The Minnesota Zoological Garden established a bachelor (i.e. all-male) group of 8 Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii) in 1984. Possible methods for mixing males emerged through preliminary introductions and review of the relevant literature. These included: (1) grouping colts (<=3 years old) after removing them from their natal bands; (2) introducing adult stallions to colts in spacious, controlled environments to reduce the risk of combat-related injury or death associated with largely unpredictable adult temperament; (3) introducing more than 1 animal at a time to established groups. Based on the frequency and orientation of agonistic interactions observed among the bachelors, a linear dominance hierarchy was discerned among the 4 adult stallions; all 4 colts were determined to be of equally low or seemingly non-ranking status. Social rank among the adults was most influenced by individual temperament, and contention for rank was limited almost exclusively to the 3 lower-ranking stallions; the alpha male participated in 73% of all agonistic interactions observed, but was identified as the recipient in less than 3% of these interactions. Intra-band associations were detected in the bachelor group. The most prevalent of these was among the 4 colts, found together in over 70% of the observations. Other affinities commonly observed were between the colts (as a sub-group) and different stallions. The dominant stallion, the colts' most frequent companion, actively discouraged the 3 lower-ranking stallions from associating with the colts. Further, the colts were subjected to significantly fewer agonistic behaviors than the non-alpha stallions (per colt=1.05+/-0.24 h-1; per non-alpha stallion=2.01+/-0.04 h-1). These findings support the hypothesis developed by other workers for ungulates that young bachelors are sheltered from aggression by association with an alpha male. With one exception, adult associations were rarely noted. Although combat-related injuries (superficial wounds and temporary lameness) were common among the bachelors, few required medical attention. No permanent disabilities or deaths have occurred since the group's inception. The existence of social organization and intra-band associations in the bachelor group support the suggestion that such groups were once a natural part of this species' social milieu. Bachelor groups are therefore recommended as an ethologically sound, space- and cost-effective means of managing “surplus” (i.e. non-harem) male Przewalski horses.
|
Brennan, J., & Anderson, J. (1988). Varying responses to feeding competition in a group of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Primates, 29(3), 353–360.
Abstract: The behaviour of members of a group of rhesus monkeys was observed in experimentally created, competitive feeding situations. Socially dominant members of the group tended to start eating before lower-ranking subjects, and generally ate more. Dominants sometimes used aggression to control access to food, but overall, intermediate-ranking monkeys were involved in most agonistic episodes. Non-dominant subjects improved their feeding performance when food was presented in three piles rather than one pile, often by snatching food and consuming it away from the pile. These general patterns were less evident when realistic snake models were placed on some of the food piles. Feeding was disrupted by the presence of snakes, but notably, subordinates risked feeding in these conditions. Piles containing preferred foods and snakes were eaten from, but a low-preference food (carrot) under snakes went untouched by all subjects. The results suggest that group-members evaluate potential risks and benefits of competing for a restricted resource, and that dominance status, while an important factor, is only one element in the equation.
|
|
Franke Stevens E,. (1988). Contents between bands of feral horses for access to fresh water: the resident wins. Anim Beh, 36(6), 1851–1853.
|
|
Houpt Ka, H. T. (1988). Social and illumination preferences of mares. J Anim Sci, 66, 2159–2164.
|
|
Houpt, K. A., & Fraser, A. F. (1988). Przewalski horses. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 21(1-2), 1–3.
|
Kirkpatrick, J. F., Kasman, L. H., Lasley,, B. L., & Turner, J. W. J. (1988). Pregnancy Determination in Uncaptured Feral Horses. J Wildl Manag, 52(2), 305–308.
Abstract: The urinary excretion of estrone sulfate ($\text{E}{1}\text{S}$) by 25 free-roaming feral horses (Equus caballus) was measured by radioimmunoassay applied to extracts of urine-soaked soil. Twelve of 15 mares having $\text{E}{1}\text{S}$ concentrations >1.0 mg/mg creatinine (x = 2.64 +- 1.02 [SD]) produced foals. All 10 mares with $\text{E}{1}\text{S}$ concentrations <1.0 mg/mg creatinine (x = 0.44 +- 0.26) did not foal. Extracting urine from soil and measuring $\text{E}{1}\text{S}$ and creatinine can be used to determine pregnancy in free-roaming feral horses without the stress of capture or immobilization.
|
|
KIRKPATRICK JF et al,. (1988). Pregnancy determination in uncaptured feral Horses based on steroid metabolites in urine – soaked snow and free steroids in feces.
|
Klimov, V. V. (1988). Spatial-ethological organization of the herd of Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii) in Askania-Nova. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 21(1-2), 99–115.
Abstract: The ethological structure of the herd of Przewalski horses includes hierarchic ranks of horses which determine their social roles in the herd. Besides the age ranks, the wild horses are characterized by the formation of harem groups, a “leading” group of females, a group of bachelor stallions, family groups, etc. The ethological structure determines the spatial one, which is the form of distribution of horses over the territory, and its assimilation and transformation into a system of informative spatial units. Under the influence of “internal” and “external” stimuli, the intragoup regulatory mechanims (social adaptations) manifest themselves, which allow the herd to function in the complicated situation of the reserve and allow humans to control the herd by using these mechanisms. There are grounds to believe that, given the balanced ethological structure of these groups, wild horses could be successfully acclimatized into natural biotopes.
|
Kolter, L., & Zimmermann, W. (1988). Social behaviour of Przewalski horses (Equus p. przewalskii) in the Cologne Zoo and its consequences for management and housing. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 21(1-2), 117–145.
Abstract: Between 1977 and 1986, two actual rank changes and two unsuccessful attempts occurred among the mares of the Cologne herd. The stallion was at first a low-ranking individual, but attained a dominant position during the last 3 years. At this time he started to split his group and thus to affect attachment relationships among his mares. During his absence of half a year, new bonds resulted and disappeared again some months after his return. Foals were tolerated by the sire for a long time. His behaviour to young, sub-adult mares varied with the individual. Protection of sub-adult mares by adult mares against the stallion's attacks may occur. Young mares protect and guard strange foals from their very first day. Management steps to cope with social and feeding problems consisted of enlargement and adding complexity to the enclosure, the establishment of more feeding sites, building a stable and temporary removal of the stallion.
|
|
KOTERBA AM et al,. (1988). Brathing strategy of the adult horse at rest. J Appl Physiol, 64, 337–346.
|
