A rare fight in female plains zebra
Authors: Fischhoff, I.R., Sundaresan, S.R., Larkin, H.M., Sellier, M.J., Cordingley, J.E. and Rubenstein, D.I.
Journal: Journal of Ethology
Volume: 28
Issue: 1
Pages: 201-205
ISSN: 0289-0771
DOI: 10.1007/s10164-009-0183-7
Abstract:We describe a fight between two female plains zebra (Equus burchelli). Plains zebra are ungulates with stable social groups known as harems. Female aggression rarely escalates to the level we observed. The fight immediately followed the birth of a foal to one of the females. The initiating female repeatedly kicked and bit the mother, who reacted aggressively and by guarding her foal. We present hypotheses on the causes underlying this rare event. © Japan Ethological Society and Springer 2009.
Source: Scopus