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Animal behaviour1999; 57(3); 705-713; doi: 10.1006/anbe.1998.1009

Alliances and reproductive success in Camargue stallions.

Abstract: A study of a herd of Camargue horses Equus caballus, showed that while the majority of high-ranking stallions held single-male harems, some sons of low-ranking mares, being low ranking themselves, formed alliances that could last a lifetime. The two stallions were each other's closest associate and preferential grooming partner. Alliances were based on coalitions in which either both partners confronted an intruder synchronously or the dominant of the pair tended the female(s) while the subordinate simultaneously displayed towards the rival. Alliance partners were of similar age but were not more closely related to each other than to other stallions in the herd. Long-term paternity data revealed that subordinates sired close to a quarter of the foals born into the alliance group, and significantly more foals than low-ranking stallions in the herd adopting a 'sneak'-mating strategy. The dominant appeared to benefit from the presence of his subordinate partner. Fights occurred all year round, and the subordinate stallion of each alliance pair fought outside competitors more than twice as often as the dominant. Forming short-term alliances before defending mares on their own may enhance long-term reproductive success for both partners. Other benefits to both partners include higher survivorship of their foals and increased access to proven reproductive mares. These results suggest that the relationship between alliance partners is based on mutualism, but several conditions for reciprocity seem to be fulfilled: the benefit to the dominant (assistance in fights), and the benefit to the subordinate (access to reproduction), are both costly to the other partner and delayed in time. Copyright 1999 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
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Publication Date: 1999-02-06 PubMed ID: 10196062DOI: 10.1006/anbe.1998.1009Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the social behaviour of Camargue horses, specifically how low-ranking stallions form alliances leading to increased reproductive success. By adopting coalition-based alliances, these horses can hold harems, resulting in greater paternity rates than those using covert mating tactics.

Objectives and Methodology of the Research

  • The primary objective was to explore the social dynamics and reproductive strategies of Camargue horses. The scientists focused on how lower-ranking stallions establish alliances thus achieving higher reproductive success.
  • To accomplish this, they studied a herd of Camargue horses, observing their behaviour and associations.
  • They used long-term paternity data to evaluate the extent of the subordinate stallions’ reproductive successes.

Key Findings of the Study

  • The majority of the high-ranking stallions maintained single-male harems. However, low-ranking stallions, usually the offspring of low-ranking mares, created lasting alliances.
  • These alliances were established on coalitions in which both partners confronted an intruder together, or the superior stallion guarded the females while the subordinate stallion exhibited towards the rival.
  • Stallions in a coalition were of similar age but were not more closely related to each other than to other stallions in the herd. This fact rules out the possibility of kin selection playing a role in the establishment of these alliances.
  • Long-term paternity data revealed that subordinate stallions in alliances sired nearly a quarter of the foals born within the group.
  • The subordinate stallions had significantly more offspring than lower-ranking stallions in the herd who did not establish alliances but instead attempted stealthy mating.

Benefits and Implications of Alliance Formation

  • Forming alliances before guarding mares individually can increase long-term reproductive success for both partners.
  • The dominant stallion likely benefits from the presence of a subordinate partner, who aids in combat against outside competitors.
  • Other advantages include enhanced survival rate of their foals and improved access to proven reproductive mares.
  • The relationship between alliance partners appears to be based on reciprocal benefits, such as assistance in fights for the dominant and access to reproduction for the subordinate.
  • These benefits, albeit costly for the provider and delayed in time, fulfil the conditions for reciprocity, which may hint at sophisticated social strategies within the herd of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Feh C. (1999). Alliances and reproductive success in Camargue stallions. Anim Behav, 57(3), 705-713. https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.1998.1009

Publication

Animal behaviour
ISSN: 0003-3472
NlmUniqueID: 0376746
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 57
Issue: 3
Pages: 705-713

Researcher Affiliations

Feh, C
  • Station biologique de la Tour du Valat, Camargue

Citations

This article has been cited 35 times.
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