stottingpronkingbehavior

Stotting and pronking refer to a distinctive high, stiff-legged jumping display observed in several hoofed mammals, especially gazelles, springboks, impalas, and related species. In this behavior an animal propels itself into the air, often with an arched back, legs held straight, and lands on all four feet. Pronking is a term frequently used in the context of African antelope and is sometimes distinguished from more variable bounding by emphasizing a single, upright leap; many sources treat stotting and pronking as interchangeable labels for the same display.

The behavior commonly occurs in open, unobstructed habitats and can appear as a single leap or as a rapid series of jumps. It is frequently observed when predators are nearby, but it can also be seen in non-predatory contexts such as play, youth development, or social interactions within a herd.

Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the function of stotting/pronking, and there is no consensus. Proposed roles include predator deterrence, by signaling high fitness or vigilance to a pursuing predator; startle or confusion effects that make pursuit more difficult; and signaling to conspecifics to convey the presence of danger, aiding collective response. Some researchers also consider ecological or social factors, such as mate competition or group coordination, and it is possible that multiple functions operate across species and contexts.

In summary, stotting/pronking is a conspicuous, energetically costly display with multiple proposed functions and varying occurrences across species. It remains an active area of study in ethology, with researchers continuing to explore its adaptive significance and contextual variability.