Social affinities as the basis of the social organization of a Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) population in an open mountain range.

The tendencies of different age and sex classes to flock with each other were analysed in a Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) population of southern France, on the basis of the distribution of groups into various types and sizes. The strongest inter-attraction is undoubtedly that existing between adult females and kids, even if each age and sex class also associates easily with itself. Yearlings globally seem to have lower affinities with adults of both sexes than with their own class, but, in any case, the lowest inter-attraction is between adult females and males. These social affinities, varying in detail, actually remain roughly the same through the seasons. However, the most important point is that they seem sufficient to explain the main characteristics of the social structure of the studied Pyrenean chamois population in open habitat; it does not seem necessary to hypothesize complicated individual 'choices' or 'preferences' to explain it. This allows for a systemic approach of such a population, considering individuals as simple elements, which permits us to understand the basis of sociality and to explain inter-populational differences.