Group pattern and social segregation in Przewalski's gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) around Qinghai Lake, China

Group pattern and social segregation of the sexually size dimorphic Przewal ski's gazelle Procapra przewalskii were studied for 7 years in the Qinghai Province, China. The main social units were: female groups; male groups; mi xed groups. Mixed groups were the largest and most visible, whereas adult m ale groups were small and of similar size. The group size of the gazelle va ried during different seasons (P < 0.002) and the type of social groups (P < 0.001). Mixed-sex groups were larger than female groups or male groups ac ross all the seasons (P < 0.008). Adult males and females were mainly in se parate groups except during the rut. Groups of adult females were the most common social unit in Przewalski's gazelle, followed in frequency by adult male groups and mixed groups. From late June to late August, social separat ion was most pronounced. From late October to mid-September, social segrega tion was not pronounced. Social segregation showed significant seasonal dif ferences in Przewalski's gazelle (P < 0.004), especially between the rut an d other seasons (P < 0.008). The pattern of social segregation of groups an d behaviours observed imply that social factors play important roles in soc ial segregation and group formation.