Behavior of mountain gazelle in Israel

Abstract

The behavior of the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) in Israel was investigated from 1970 to 1972. Two study areas with differences in terrain and population density were utilized. Mountain gazelle snow a preference for ground cover less than 30 cm high, but will enter forested areas if there are open areas under the trees. Individual gazelle are polyphasic in daily activity and the morning and evening resting activities are closely associated with sunrise and sunset. The social structure consists of female herds, bachelor male herds and territorial males. Both the female and bachelor herds are relatively small. Mixed herds of adult males and females are formed but are not permanent. Young males leave the female herds at six to nine months of age and join bachelor herds until they are full adults and become territorial. Territorial males remain on their territories throughout the year. Territory boundary zones appear to correspond to the ridges in the study area. The fixed area of the territory is defended more by dominance display than by actual fighting. Most of the linked urination-defecation marking sites are in the vicinity of the border. Adult bachelor males are capable of displaying the behavior patterns associated with territoriality. These behavior patterns increase in frequency during the genesis of territoriality. Dominance displays (head-turned-away and high-presentation) are only performed by males and increase in frequency of use as the males mature and become territorial. Threat displays (direct approach, medium-presentation, and chasing) are used by each sex, age and social class. Mountain gazelle threat and dominance displays appear to follow a hierarchical organization rather than being due to conflicting motivations. Most agonistic encounters involve individuals of similar sex, age or social class and most fighting is not intense. Intense fighting with one individual losing occurs between adult males, but is rare. Agonistic encounters between territorial neighbors consist of ritualized display and fighting.