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Plains zebra (Equus quagga) group movement decisions are associated with visual and tactile behaviours performed by initiators, followers and non-followers

Crossref DOI link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-026-03783-9

Published Online: 2026-07-30

Published Print: 2026-08

Update policy: https://doi.org/10.1007/springer_crossmark_policy

Authors

Xie, Bing https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4947-0703
Sueur, Cédric https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8206-2739
Briefer, Elodie F. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4147-0319
Funding

Funding for this research was provided by:

Copenhagen University
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Text and Data Mining valid from 2026-07-30

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Article History

Received: 19 August 2025

Revised: 17 July 2026

Accepted: 21 July 2026

First Online: 30 July 2026

Declarations

Ethical approval: Field work in Pilanesberg National Park adhered to park regulations and was approved by the park authorities. The study followed the Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Research of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB). As this study was purely observational and involved no capture, handling, or experimental manipulation of animals, formal ethical approval was not required. To minimise disturbance, animals were observed from a vehicle on designated roads while maintaining an appropriate distance from the zebras.

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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