Investigating the effect of dominance hierarchy on grooming and aggression in plains zebras (Equus burchellii boehmi)

Abstract

Social structure affects the distribution of cooperative and competitive behaviors within a group. Here, I examined how the linear dominance hierarchy in plains zebras influences the amount of grooming and aggression within pairs, and found that subordinate individuals receive more aggression and less grooming, as well as give less grooming. I also investigated how social bonding might affect grooming and aggression, and found that pairs with stronger bonds will groom more. Aggression is higher within the feeding context than non-feeding context, and may have implications on zoo management and welfare. Also, I found no kin effects in this study, and that a higher rank does not lead to greater reproductive success here.