Date of Award
Fall 1-3-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Liv Baker Van de Graaff
Second Advisor
Dr. Ofer Tchernichovski
Academic Program Adviser
Dr. Joshua Plotnik
Abstract
Rewilding is a conservation measure that involves actively relocating species or restricting human land use to improve ecosystem sustainability. However, critics raise concerns that rewilding privileges ecosystem function over endangered species. Due to a lack of monitoring around species’ relocations, uncertainty lies in ecological outcomes and psychological, social, cultural impacts on affected animals. For this project, we collaborated with the non-profit Rewilding Europe that sought to conserve Serrano horses (Equus caballus), an ancient and under-studied breed of Spanish horse by relocating 11 individuals to a protected site in Guadalajara, Spain in June 2022. Our research aimed to address how rewilded Serrano horses adapt their social behaviors and spatial preferences during different stages of relocation. We examined changes in agonistic and affiliative behaviors across different housing conditions and assessed the influence of individual characteristics and environmental factors on group dynamics. Over 6 weeks, we recorded relevant behaviors and spatial preferences exhibited across corrals and the 161-hectare release site. A social network analysis was conducted to compare networks to conditional simulations and across locations. Results indicated temporal decreases in agonism and allogrooming, where certain individuals controlled the flow of social relations. After release, group-level patterns indicated dominant-stallion competition, shifting priorities from social bonding to resource competition, harem-tending to subdue interfemale aggression, and reduced group cohesion. Consistent habitat use after release indicated preference for higher elevations and proximity to water. Network analysis proved effective at assessing the group’s social dynamics and spatial preferences, important for future management strategies. The varied responses to social and environmental changes demonstrate the importance of considering rewilded animals’ individual and group-level processes influencing social stability.
Recommended Citation
Bruno, Ashley, "Social Networks and Behavioral Adaptation of Serrano Horses in a Rewilding Initiative in Spain" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1282
