Feral goat social organization: A review and comparative analysis

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Abstract

Measurements indexing the mating system, home range, peri-parturient behaviour, and group size and composition of feral goats were used to compare studied populations. Geographically diverse populations were similar in most behavioural characteristics and their social systems had similar structures. However, post-partum behaviour and mating systems showed both quantitative and qualitative differences between populations. These similarities and differences are discussed in relation to the diverse selection history of feral goats. It is postulated that selective changes occurring during domestication may contribute to the variability observed in post-partum behaviour and mating systems.

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    Present address: Bureau of Rural Resources, Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Barton, A.C.T. 2611, Australia.

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