FACTORS MODIFYING FEMALE SOCIAL RANKS IN AMNZOTRAGUS

The Saharan arrui is characterised by an absolute dominance hierarchy, which is also near-linear and fairly stable, although female ranks ma y vary under some circumstances. Mating and parturition may cause an i ncrease in the hierarchical status of females, while weaning of offspr ing and rank changes of the groupmates may lead to a lower status. Fem ale ranks were related to age at the beginning of the study; whereas a t the end, once some rank changes had occurred, the ranks were related to the current rank of the females' mothers. Ranks were not related t o the physical condition (adult body weight and length). It seems plau sible that female rank variation is related to proximal factors affect ing social behaviour, because a female may then challenge her hierarch ical status and acquire a higher social position. Finally, management implications and relevance captive populations of domestic sheep and g oats are discussed.