Abstract

Sexual segregation, the tendency to seasonally live in groups comprised of separate sexes, is widespread in sexually dimorphic polygynous ungulates. The causes for such segregation are still being studied and debated to arrive at a universal explanation. We assessed sexual segregation in the markhor, Capra falconeri-a dimorphic mountain ungulate inhabiting a seasonal temperate environment. We observed markhor herd composition, gender-specific diet, and habitat use over 3 years and multiple seasons. We tested the predictions of the Reproductive Strategy-Predation Risk Hypothesis (RSH) that focuses on offspring security, and the Forage Selection-Sexual Dimorphism Hypothesis (FSH) based on different foraging needs between the sexes due to size dimorphism. Generalized linear models were used to identify the important variables that best explained segregation in markhor. Male and female markhor showed a tendency to segregate throughout the year outside the mating season. Female markhor were confined to cliffs with relatively less forage cover, whereas males used areas with relatively better forage away from the security of cliffs. Females also occurred at lower elevations compared to males. Social segregation prevailed during pre-parturition and continued until autumn when the offspring were older, indicating a role of other factors besides predation risk. Sexual segregation in markhor was influenced by multiple mechanisms.

Keywords

dimorphism; Kashmir Himalaya; polygynous; sexual segregation; SSAS; ungulates

Published in

Journal of Mammalogy
2018, Volume: 99, number: 1, pages: 55-63

SLU Authors

• Singh, Navinder

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Environmental Sciences
Climate Research


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx155

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/93685