Raw Data "Reconciliation in captive zebras"

In several species, reconciliation, the peaceful reunion of former opponents after a conflict, serves as a mechanism to repair damaged relationships, reduce stress among the individuals involved and decrease the likelihood of a new aggression. The aim of our study was to investigate whether zebras (Chapman´s zebras, <i>Equus burchelli chapmanni</i>, and Grevy´s zebras, <i>Equus grevyi</i>) show reconciliation after intragroup aggressive events, and to identify the factors that facilitate this process. Behavioural observations on a group of Chapman's zebras at the Barcelona Zoo, Spain, and Grevy´s zebras at the Leipzig Zoo, Germany, allowed us to document all aggressive conflicts and affiliative post-conflict behaviours. In line with our predictions, we found that reconciliation was more likely when former opponents had a better relationship quality and when the aggressor had a lower rank.