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Social and Spatial Segregation in Alpine Ibex ( Capra ibex ) in Bargy, French Alps
Author(s) -
Villaret Jean Charles,
Bon Richard
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
ethology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.739
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1439-0310
pISSN - 0179-1613
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0310.1995.tb00366.x
Subject(s) - capra , geography , ecology , zoology , biology , archaeology
Outside the rut, a gradual social and spatial segregation was observed between the sexes as male Alpine ibex ( Capra ibex ) aged. In addition, males joined similar‐age peer groups and segregated spatially as the age difference increased. The patterns varied seasonally, influenced by biological and ecological events. During the rut, males and females intermingled and used greatly overlapping ranges. Males ≥ 9 years first left female groups but social and spatial segregation were not complete until May. Younger males shifted to male groups more gradually. Females and males over 2 years of age used almost exclusive ranges in summer and early autumn. Social grouping and range overlap between ibex classes were correlated outside the rut. Grouping and spatial overlap between young and old males were negatively related to association with females.