Housing conditions and behavioural problems of indoor cats as assessed by their owners
Housing conditions and behavioural problems of a sample of 1177 cats were described by their 550 owners. Indications for inadequate housing in the light of species-specific needs were analysed. A total of 65.1% of the cats were Domestic European Shorthairs and 78.7% were castrated animals. A total of 87% of the responding cat owners were […]
The structure of social relationships among captive female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)
Giraffe herds have been characterized as random associations of individuals, but recent evidence suggests giraffe have a more complex social structure. The authors formulated 3 hypotheses designed to evaluate whether a herd of captive giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) associated randomly or patterned their behavior and proximity in a manner indicative of social relationships. Affiliative interaction, proximity, […]
Socio-Spatial Relationships in Dairy Cows
Farm animals may serve as models for evaluating social networks in a controlled environment. We used an automated system to track, at fine temporal and spatial resolution (once per minute, ±50 cm) every individual in six herds of dairy cows (Bos taurus). We then analysed the data using social network analyses. Relationships were based on […]
On the relationship of social evolution and ecology in ungulates
Much of the social behavior and organization of ungulates can be related to ecological parameters such as fiber content of forage, plant productivity, plant biomass, plant species diversity, productivity gradients, temporal and spatial fluctuations in productivity, habitat stability, food dispersion, three-dimensional structure of habitat, colonization, and predator density and diversity. These ecological variables can be […]