Bounce
As stotting refers to a specific running motion that especially for some antelope species is characteristic. The animals catapult themselves into the air with stiff legs. The species with particularly noticeable bouncing jumps include the two representatives of the Impala , which can jump up to 3 meters high.
description
Antelope species that have this running movement usually show them when hunters such as hyenas and wild dogs appear in their vicinity. In contrast to lions and cheetahs, this running movement is shown less often. Hunters react to a herd of antelopes that burst apart in jumps, mostly irritated. According to current knowledge, African wild dogs do not seem to hunt bouncing antelopes. With the bouncing jump, antelopes may signal to the hunter that they are vital and not easy prey ( handicap principle ). Another possible explanation is that escape animals want to show that they have noticed a sneaking hunter.
In addition to antelopes, other mammals also show this mode of locomotion. Felines - from domestic cats to lions - jump stiff-legged into the air when they are frightened. Such jumps can also be observed occasionally in horses.
supporting documents
Individual evidence
- ↑ McGowan, p. 29
literature
- Christopher McGowan: The Raptor and the Lamb - Predators and Prey in the Living World , Penguin Books, London 1998, ISBN 0-14-027264-X
