Human disturbance, habitat characteristics and social environment generate sex-specific responses in vigilance of Mediterranean mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp.)
Abstract
Vigilance is an important part of decision making process in ungulates related to risk effects. Thus, understanding the mechanisms shaping vigilance behavior provides an insight on factors influencing fitness variation between individuals. We compared several factors (human disturbance, habitat, social and individual characteristics) influencing males’ and females’ vigilance behavior in a population of Mediterranean mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp) inhabiting the massif of Caroux-Espino...