Abstract
Foraging animals experience interruptions to foraging for a variety of reasons, such as spatial position and associated anti-predator vigilance, differences in spontaneous activity, and socially -mediated interference. Stable, predictable variation in body condition between herd-living animals may aid group cohesion through minimising costly conflict behaviour, if we assume that body condition is related to overall fitness. Considering grazing herbivores, I explore the effect of varying absolute and relative foraging interruption rates upon the overall body condition of individuals, and also the impact upon the stability of energetic reserves over time as a potential mechanism aiding group cohesion.
| Translated title of the contribution | A dynamic model exploring the effect of varying foraging interruption rates between individuals; the link to body condition and the possible effect on herd cohesion |
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| Original language | English |
| Title of host publication | ASAB Easter Conference, University of Aberystwyth |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |