The ecology, structure and functions of social play in Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Social play was studied in Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) by examining its structure in two natural populations and by inferring functions through sexual differences in behaviour. Lambs discriminated the size of lambs with which they played. During contact play they responded most often to similarly sized individuals, whereas in locomotor play they chased and followed all sizes. Males engaged in more contact‐oriented play than females. This evidence supports the idea that contact‐oriented play developed in part to provide training for combatant skills in males and locomotor play as part of a general anitpredator strategy in both sexes. Social play was severely restricted in a desert environment due to risks and personal injury. The implications of lack of play in natural populations are discussed.