MOTHER-OFFSPRING CONFLICT IN THE SAHARAN ARRUI, AMMOTRAGUS-LERVIA-SAHARIENSIS - RELATION TO WEANING AND MOTHERS SEXUAL-ACTIVITY

Behavioural conflict between mother and offspring was investigated in a captive population of the Saharan arrui (Ammotragus levia sahariensi s, Artiodactyla: Bovidae). The frequency of agonistic behaviours (moth er's aggressiveness and calfs retreats) and unsuccessful suckling atte mpts, Hinde's proximity index and the distances between mother and cal f have been analysed in relation to weaning and sexual activity of the mother. Mothers that conceive in the following mating season accelera te the weaning process of their current offspring; furthermore, high-r anking females wean their male calves earlier. Behavioural conflict oc curs during the resumption of the mother's sexual activity; however, n o conflict appears to happen during weaning.