Temporal relationships, transitions and structure of the behavioural repertoire in male Apennine chamois during the rut

The reproductive behaviour of adult male Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata was studied in the Abruzzo National Park. Older males grouped and succesesfully defended larger harems, containing a greater number of prime females. Males herded females mainly by the Head Down threat, in both the still and moving postures. The aggressive connotation of the Snort, a usually assumed "alarm' call, is discussed in the harem formation context. The courtship sequences is described. The function of female reactive urination is evaluated in this context. A harem holder did not only have to prevent females from leaving, but he had also to deal with male competitors. -from Authors