Territorial Behaviour of Kiang (\u3ci\u3eEquus kiang\u3c/i\u3e Moorcroft, 1841) in Ladakh (India)

The observations of kiang behavior were made in Navokar Valley northeast of Tso Kar Lake (Ladakh, India) between July 30 and November 22, 2001. In the breeding season (end of July until the end of August) adult kiang males kept not overlapping, protected territories (about 10 km2), and marked by single defecation and urination marks. There were adult females with and without offspring on the territories (up to 12 animals, including the male). The distance between male and females on the territories was usually hundred times bigger, then a distance between stallion and his harem in horses. Females with foals didn’t take part in mating, but stood on territories approximately until mid September, when foals became 1.5 - 2 months old. From this time adult females started to join in bigger groups and bachelor groups came down to the valley from the plateau. In October - November we registered groups of adult females with offspring (up to 37 animals), accompanied by one adult male; bachelor groups of different age males, including old ones (up to 25 animals) and groups of young (2 - 3 years old) females (up to 9 animals). The number of kiangs in Navokar Valley increased by two times in autumn in comparison with the breeding season and reached 78 animals. The maximal numbers of kiangs sighted in one day in the surrounding of Tso Kar was recorded in October (151 animals)