Behavioural inventory of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

BMC Research Notes

André Ganswindt¹  Isabelle Ciofolo²  Peter A Seeber³ 

[1] Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;Le Pré Commun, Aspet 31160, France;Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa

关键词: National Zoological Gardens of South Africa;    Entabeni Game Reserve;    Hwange National Park;    Social interaction;    Abnormal repetitive behaviour;    Behavioural activity;    Ethogram;    Giraffa camelopardalis;   

Others  :  1165141
DOI  :  10.1186/1756-0500-5-650

 received in 2012-04-26, accepted in 2012-11-15,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

Numerous factors like continuous habitat reduction or fragmentation for free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) as well as e.g. suboptimal housing conditions for animals in captivity might lead to behavioural alterations as part of the overall adaptation process to the changing living conditions. In order to facilitate current and future studies on giraffe behaviour, a comprehensive ethogram was compiled based on existing literature, as well as observations on giraffes in the wild (Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe; Entabeni Game Reserve, South Africa), and in captivity (National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria).

Findings

The resulting ethogram lists 65 different behavioural patterns, which were described and grouped into seven categories: General activities, Abnormal repetitive behaviours, General interactions, Bull-Cow behaviour, Bull-Bull behaviour, Cow-Bull behaviour, Maternal behaviours, and Interactions by calves. The behaviours were further described regarding a presumed purpose, particularly with respect to social interactions and sexual behaviour. Contradictory descriptions from previous studies were considered and discussed in comparison with our own observations.

Conclusions

This ethogram provides a basis for current and future studies by suggesting a terminology which can be used for harmonizing behavioural observations, thus helping to facilitate comparability of future results. Subsequently, a better understanding of the behavioural ecology of giraffes in the wild as well as in captivity could aid future conservation efforts.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Seeber et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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