Exploring the social network of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in captivity
Socially flexible species might be at an advantage when facing environmental unpredictability, human-induced rapid environmental changes, or unnatural conditions such as encountered in captivity. The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was originally described as solitarily living forest-dwelling species. In recent decades, it has expanded its range into urban and agricultural areas forming large aggregations in […]
Opposite-sex social bonding in wild Assamese macaques
Chimpanzees’ responses to the dead body of a 9-year-old group member
Social bonds with males lower the costs of competition for wild female Assamese macaques
In polygynandrous mammals, females rarely form affiliative relationships with unrelated males outside the mating context. The antiharassment hypothesis provides one explanation for why such relationships have evolved in some gregarious primates: it states that females receive less aggression from group members in the presence of a male partner and gain his support when being harassed […]
Exploring the early social affiliations and behaviour of a captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf
Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) are an endangered species with complex social behaviour. However, no previous studies have mapped the development of calves before the age of six months. This study seeks to fill this gap in knowledge through characterisation of the earliest stages of development in the behavioural repertoire and social associations of […]
Assessing the dyadic social relationships of female african (Loxodonta africana) and asian (Elephas maximus) zoo elephants using proximity, tactile contact, and keeper surveys
Understanding the affiliative social relationships, or bonds, between zoo elephants has implications for both their welfare and management, yet there is limited work assessing and describing these bonds. Consequently, there is a need for the development of a reliable assessment tool. We used multiple metrics of proximity and tactile contact, as well as keeper surveys, […]