Social behaviour of Chapman´s zebra ( Equus quagga chapmani )

Abstract Chapman{\crq}s zebra (Equus quagga chapmani) is a subspecies of Plains Zebra. It can be distinguished from other groups by the ochre or off-white base colour, distinct shadow stripes and legs that are striped almost down to the hooves. Its populations may be found throughout the southern Africa in almost all biotopes. This subspecies of zebra usually forms small family groups {--} harems, consisting of a single stallion, from one up to six mares, and their recent offspring. This family group is accompanied by bachelor groups formed by bachelor males and older offspring. Harems are highly stable; changes in their composition are rather rare. Zebras were monitored for two days using the method of interval recording, once in a period of time from a week to a month. The monitoring took place in ZOO Liberec. From the observation is evident that most of the time is spent on food intake. The evaluation of contact counts (minus contacts identified as aggression) implied the existence of individual preference. Taking into account some factors such as the mares` age, consanguinity, oestrus and the weather we demonstrate that neither of these factors has influence on the preference of individual mares by the stallion. This question should be addressed further by monitoring other groups of Plains Zebra, either wild animals or animals in human care. It might be useful to consider other factors possibly having influence on the individual preference of the stallion