Abstract
AbstractA variety of social systems have evolved as a consequence of competition and cooperation among individuals. Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalissp.) societies are an anomaly because the dearth of long‐term data has produced two polar perspectives: a loose amalgamation of non‐bonded individuals that sometimes coalesce into a herd and a structured social system with a fission–fusion process modifying herd composition within a community. We analysed 34 years of data collected from a population ofThornicroft's giraffe (G. c. thornicrofti,Lydekker 1911) residing inSouthLuangwa,Zambia, to establish the nature of giraffe society. Our sample consisted of 52 individually recognized animals. We found that giraffe herd composition is based upon long‐term social associations that often reflect kinship, with close relatives significantly more likely than non‐relatives to establish herds. Mother/offspring dyads had the strongest associations, which persisted for years. Giraffe live in a complex society characterized by marked flexibility in herd size, with about 25% of the variance in herd composition owing to kinship and sex. We suggest that giraffe herds share many characteristics of fission–fusion social systems and propose that sophisticated communication systems are a crucial component regulating subgroup dynamics.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
