Influence of food distribution on behavior in captive bongos, Taurotragus euryceros: An experimental investigation
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1997 |
Authors: |
Udo Ganslosser, Christine Brunner |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
contest situation, female relationships, foraging behavior |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:3<237::AID-ZOO4>3.3.CO;2-7 A feeding experiment was conducted to test if Bongo antelopes, being selective feeders searching for clumped quality food, show similar behavior changes as primates under similar conditions. One group of 3 females and 3 calves of Dvur Kralove Zoo was either fed clumped (all food, i.e., leaves and branches of 4 species of tree plus rye grass in one heap), or the same amount distributed over as many heaps as animals present. No increase in agonistic interactions under clumped conditions was found, but non-agonistic and sociopositive patterns increased significantly. Intake of low quality food increased under clumped conditions. Social distances and enclosure use were not significantly different. These findings are in accordance with predictions from models developed for primate feeding strategies, and suggest that selectively feeding antelopes possess behavioral mechanisms for tension-reduction similar to “contest-type” primates. Zoo Biol 16:237–245, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.