Pronunciation: [stˈɒtɪŋ] (IPA) 
Stotting, also known as pronking, is the act of an animal, particularly a gazelle or antelope, bouncing up and down on all four legs. The spelling of the word "stotting" is derived from the Scottish word "stot" meaning a young ox or bullock. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /stɒɾɪŋ/. The symbol "ɾ" represents a flap/tap sound, similar to the "tt" sound in the English word "butter".
Stotting is a term used in the field of animal behavior to describe a specific behavior exhibited by certain mammalian species, particularly ungulates (hoofed mammals) such as deer, antelope, and gazelles. Stotting, also known as pronking, refers to the behavior where these animals perform a series of powerful, exaggerated jumps in the air with all four legs simultaneously lifted and extended, often with their backs arched and their heads held high.
The purpose of stotting is believed to serve multiple functions. One theory suggests that stotting is a mechanism used by these animals to display their strength, agility, and overall health to potential predators. By performing such extravagant leaps, they showcase their capability to escape and deter an approaching predator. Additionally, stotting may also signal that the individual animal is not an easy target to catch, possibly discouraging a predator from initiating a chase.
Stotting has also been observed as a behavior displayed within social contexts. In some species, such as gazelles, during group interactions, stotting may function as a form of communication between individuals. While the exact purpose of this social stotting remains somewhat uncertain, it is believed to provide information regarding an individual's intentions, emotions, or status to other members of the group.
In conclusion, stotting refers to the behavior exhibited by certain ungulates, characterized by powerful, simultaneous jumps with all four legs extended. This behavior serves multiple purposes, including predator deterrence and social communication.
The word "stotting" derives from the Scottish and Northern English dialects, specifically from the Scots language. It comes from the Scots verb "stot", which means to bounce or rebound. The term is commonly used to describe the behavior of certain animals, such as deer, when they leap into the air, landing on all fours with their legs stiff and straight. The word has also extended to colloquial usage in British English to refer to jumping or bouncing in general.
