Thus, the mare becomes a permanent member of a new harem. When the mare finally ovulates, the male that impregnates her keeps her for good. It is rare that the mare's original abductor keeps her for long. Even after a young mare is isolated from her natal harem, the fight over her continues until her oestrous cycle is over, and it starts again with the next estrous cycle. Her family stallion chases off or fights stallions attempting to abduct her.
When a mare reaches sexual maturity and has her first oestrous cycle, she attracts the attention of nearby stallions, both bachelors and harem leaders. Stallions form and expand their harems by abducting young mares from their natal harems. Bachelor groups tend to be at the periphery of herds and when the herd moves, the bachelors trail behind. Among harem-holding species, this has only been observed in primates such as the gelada and the hamadryas baboon. In addition, pairs of harems may create temporarily stable subgroups within a herd, allowing individuals to interact with those outside their group. Plains zebras are unusual among harem-holding species in forming these groups. Multiple harems and bachelor groups come together to form larger herds of hundreds of animals, especially during migrations. The bachelors prepare for their adult roles with play fights and greeting/challenge rituals, which take up most of their activities. These males stay in their groups until they are ready to start a harem. These are stable groups of up to 15 males with an age-based hierarchy led by a young male. Groups of all male "bachelors" also exist. The adult membership of a harem is highly stable, typically remaining together for months to years. They may rest or sleep laying down, while one individual keeps guard.The plains zebra is highly social and usually forms small family groups called harems, which consist of a single stallion, several mares, and their recent offspring. Other activities include dust bathing, rubbing, drinking and intermittent resting which is very brief.Īt night, zebra activity is subdued except when threatened by predators. They are more active during the day and spend most of their time feeding. Plains zebras are nomadic and non-territoral, home ranges vary from 30 km2 to 600 km2, depending on the area and if the population is migratory.
0 kommentar(er)
