Stotting (or pronking) is a behaviour of some bovines, particularly gazelles. They spring into the air, and lift all four feet off the ground simultaneously. Usually, the legs are held in a relatively stiff position and the back may be arched with the head pointing downward. Many explanations of stotting have been proposed. At least in some cases it is an honest signal to predators that the stotting animal is not worth pursuing.
Stotting
Questions and Answers
Q: What is stotting?
A: Stotting is a behavior exhibited by some bovines and gazelles where they spring into the air, lifting all four feet off the ground simultaneously.
Q: Which animals exhibit the behavior of stotting?
A: Bovines and gazelles exhibit stotting behavior.
Q: How are the legs positioned during stotting?
A: During stotting, the legs are held in a relatively stiff position.
Q: What is the position of the back and head during stotting?
A: During stotting, the back may be arched with the head pointing downward.
Q: What function does stotting serve?
A: Stotting is believed to be an honest signal to predators that the stotting animal is not worth pursuing.
Q: Is stotting an effective defense mechanism?
A: It is believed that stotting is an effective defense mechanism as it signals to predators that the stotting animal is not worth pursuing.
Q: Have any other explanations been proposed for stotting behavior?
A: Yes, many explanations for stotting behavior have been proposed.