Relationship between vocal communication and social networks: The case of the plains zebra Equus quagga

Living in groups can result in various conflicts due to the different needs of each individual. To maintain group cohesion, group-living animals thus need to coordinate activities. A notable way to achieve this purpose is through auditory signals, which can be simultaneously perceived by several individuals. This project aims at testing the hypothesis that vocalizations facilitate group cohesion and movement in the plains zebra, a near threatened species. By connecting group movement and harem-herd dynamics with non-dyadic vocal communications in a naturalistic model, this project will extend our current knowledge of social networks of wild ungulates. This should help improve conservation projects, both in the wild and in captivity, which play an essential role in preserving wildlife.