stotting

Stotting is a display behavior observed in several ungulate species, most notably gazelles, impalas, springboks, and other antelopes. It involves a high, stiff-legged leap in which the animal jumps into the air, often with the back arched and the head held high, typically performed when a predator is detected or during moments of heightened alert. The movement can be repeated in quick succession and is easily visible over open terrain.

The behavior is most commonly associated with African savannas and grasslands, where visibility is high and predators such as cheetahs, lions, or hyenas are a constant risk. While it is most associated with species in this region, similar leaps have been reported in other open-habber habitats and among different groups of herbivores under certain conditions. Stotting is frequently observed in juveniles as well as adults, though the frequency and style of the display can vary by species and individual.

The exact function of stotting remains the subject of ongoing debate, and multiple hypotheses have been proposed. The predator deterrence hypothesis suggests that stotting signals the animal’s fitness to potential pursuers, indicating that it would be costly or unlikely to catch the leaper. Other theories propose that stotting communicates danger to conspecifics, aids in group coordination, or confuses or misdirects predators. Some researchers contend that the behavior may serve several benefits depending on context, predator type, and environmental conditions, rather than having a single universal purpose.

See also: pronking, flight initiation distance.