Social environment of Isard kids, Rupicapra pyrenaica p., during their ontogeny

Investigated the monthly social environment of cohorts of young isards, Rupicapra pyrenaica p. during one and a half years, in an attempt to understand some aspects of their socialization process. We postulate that the sociality of adults is greatly influenced by their ontogeny. The composition, in age-sex classes, of 2,001 groups observed in open mountainous environment is described. During their childhood, young isards go through high sociality periods, during which they are in contact with many and various conspecifics. During other periods, they are in closer association with females only. Both association patterns may play a role in the socialization process. Contact with males is less frequent and occurs for the first time during the rutting period. The most drastic changes in the social environment of the young occur with the arrival of the new generation of kids. The high sociality period of spring is a rather sensitive period during which social associations are very diversified, and social networks may be reshaped. The role of ontogenetic experience in formation of social associations is discussed.