Evidence of infanticide in the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)

Abstract Infanticide has been described across mammal species. is thought to be a tactic which increases reproductive opportunities or reduces competition over local resources. Species of the genus Equus exhibit life history traits such as expensive young, long gestation, lactation and dependency, extended inter-birth interval when there foal at foot strong male skew. These suggest infanticide may present throughout genus. However, most documented cases attempts come from captive populations rely heavily on indirect accounts in free-roaming populations. Here, we report an attempt Cape mountain zebra ( ). The aggression was perpetrated by multiple bachelor males two foals belonging same family group. were separated parent group, chased harried for total 45 minutes before mothers herd stallion able regain their offspring. We also three necropsy. injuries sustained are consistent with infanticide-based other equids timing these deaths occurs after turnover. provide conclusive evidence date that takes place within zebra.