A note on motor laterality in plains zebras (Equus burchellii) and impalas (Aepyceros melampus)

Abstract

This observational field study used intermittent still photography to examine the distribution of motor laterality in images of two African grazing quadruped species: plains zebras (Equus burchellii) and impalas (Aepyceros melampus). Zebra images (n=708) had a laterality index of −6.21 and a Z-score of −1.65 (p=.098). Impala images (n=318) had a laterality index of −18.87 and a Z-score of −3.36 (p=.0008). The weak left motor bias in zebras aligns with that reported in domestic horses using a related method.

Keywords:

• grazing
• motor laterality
• horse
• zebra
• impala

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Associate Professor Peter Thomson for statistical advice. They are also grateful to the following volunteer fieldwork assistants: Pascal Clair, Armand Wagner, and the team at Horizon Horseback Safaris.