Use of space and activity budgets in relation to age and social status in a captive herd of American bison, <i>Bison bison</i>

Abstract

Abstract A stable herd of 11 captive American bison ( Bison bison ) of known ages and social rank was studied between June 18 and August 6, 1979 at the Jardin zoologique du Québec, Charlesbourg, Quebec. During the 8‐week study, the first author collected scan data of predefined behaviors and locations on all individuals of the herd. Space use analysis revealed extensive occupation of (and preference for) the barn and sand mound by higher‐ranking animals and calves, and the tendency for lower‐ranked individuals to use alternate, lower‐quality sites. Overall, the herd spent an average of 40% of the daytime resting, 25% standing, 23% feeding, and 12% walking/running and group exploring. High‐ranking individuals spent significantly more time standing and walking, and less time foraging than average. Most low‐ranking individuals spent significantly less time lying, and more time feeding than average. Calves spent significantly more time lying than average. The extra feeding time of low‐ranking individuals occurred mostly in early morning and mid‐day, when the high‐ranking individuals were mostly inactive. Our results suggest differential space and time use in relation to age and social status. The effects of resource limitations caused by captivity conditions, as compared with natural conditions, are discussed in regard to the activity and movement coordination of individuals in this particular captive herd. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.