Comparison of proximity and social behaviors between calves and juveniles in wild giraffe

Abstract

To date, no study has quantitatively compared the proximity or social interactions between calves and other giraffes except their mothers. In this study, we compared proximity and social behaviors between calves and juveniles to understand developmental changes in giraffe. We observed giraffe in Katavi National Park, Tanzania. We recorded the herd size, the age-sex classes (calf, juveniles, adult female and adult male) of all herd members and proximity conditions. Additionally, we recorded the occurrence, the age-sex class of other individual and direction of muzzling, necking and anogenital examination. Calves showed the lowest rate in proximity with adult males and the highest rate in proximity with same-aged peer. Juveniles spent less time with same-aged peers probably because they are joining herds containing multiple adults. Juvenile can travel for long distances so they have more chances to encounter other age-sex individuals and stay in proximity to them. Calves also received muzzle from many other age-sex classes frequently, whereas juveniles did not receive it frequently. We suggest that the differences between calves and juveniles in proximity duration and social behavior reflects a developmental pathway associated with differences in predator risk, and well as age-related influences on establishing social networks and learning social skills.