Videotapes of territorial conflicts between rock wallabies, Petrogale
assimilis, were analysed by means of sequential and frequency analysis
. P. assimilis differs from most species of macropodoids in that they
form long-lasting pair-bonds, and both partners of a pair defend a com
mon territory within a colony. The video-analysis reveals differences
between fights of P. assimilis and the ''typical'' pattern of macropod
fighting. Most conflicts are solved by display. Even in actual fighti
ng, few elements of ''physical aggression,'' such as biting or kicking
, etc., are evident, and there is no winner/loser typical frequency di
fference of any elements. Many conflicts end as a draw. These differen
ces are similar to differences between fighting in territory holders o
f small monogamous African antelopes and those of other, more polygyno
us bovids. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.