I once watched a tribe of goats professionally cleaning (eating) a half acre overgrown with obnoxious small trees. They were of all sizes, including several obviously pregnant nannies and some really big billies. I was surprised to see a smaller goat stand on the back of a larger one to reach higher leaves in a tree and it soon became apparent that this was common behavior.
I wonder if this cooperation reflected the abundance of greenery available making competition moot?
The goats always stand on each other to get to a higher branch. I wouldn't really call that cooperation, however - it is more like every goat for herself! Their meanness is definitely heightened because there is less food at this time of year, and because they are likely going into heat.
Although. . . .
I once watched a tribe of goats professionally cleaning (eating) a half acre overgrown with obnoxious small trees. They were of all sizes, including several obviously pregnant nannies and some really big billies. I was surprised to see a smaller goat stand on the back of a larger one to reach higher leaves in a tree and it soon became apparent that this was common behavior.
I wonder if this cooperation reflected the abundance of greenery available making competition moot?
The goats always stand on each other to get to a higher branch. I wouldn't really call that cooperation, however - it is more like every goat for herself! Their meanness is definitely heightened because there is less food at this time of year, and because they are likely going into heat.