e-mail: Rotem_lav@hotmail.co.il
The common eland (Taurotragus oryx) is the largest and heaviest antelope. The herd is divided into two major groups: a group of females and calves under the age of three, and a group of males. There is a dominance hierarchy within the herd. The purpose of my research is to examine the correlation between social status and hormone levels in male elands. Social status will be determined by visual observations. The aim of this study is to understand herd formation and social status by using sex and stress hormone (corticosterone) of the herd's male individuals. Social hierarchy is determined by detailed observation of the interactions of each individual within the herd. Hormone extraction is carried out from individual excrement and analyzed by RIA and ELISA methods.
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