Social relations in a mixed group of mules, ponies and donkeys reflect differences in equid type.

This study investigates the social behaviors of mules, ponies, and donkeys when they are living together. Thereby, finding that their social relations are influenced by their species type, which also determines their rank in the hierarchy.

Study Overview and Methodology

• The research carried out a systematic analysis to understand how genetic hybridization influences the social behavior of mules. For the first time, the social organization of these three equid (sub)species when housed together has been compared.
• The study was conducted over a total duration of 70 hours, with a group of 16 mules, donkeys, and ponies under observation.
• Preferred associates, dominance rank, and the linearity of the herd’s hierarchy within this mixed group were determined through observation.

Findings of the study

• The researchers found that the different equids formed distinct affiliative groups, with their internal hierarchy being linear.
• Ponies were found to be the most dominant, mules held the middle ranks, and donkeys occupied the lowest ranks.
• The strength of the hierarchy also varied within each equid subgroup.
• The equids displayed a preference to associate with animals of the same type when given the option.

Implication of the Findings

• The behaviors and social organization exhibited by the groups suggest that different domestic equid (sub)species show significant variations in their social behavior.
• These differences are likely to have a strong genetic basis, implying that the species of the equid has a critical impact on how they relate with other equids in a mixed group.
• These findings question the standard practice of deeming these different equids as a homogeneous group when they are kept as companion animals for horses and ponies.