Citation
Red Deer: Behavior and Ecology of Two Sexes (40-year study)
TL;DR
82% of intrusions deterred by roaring alone (2 calories)
Landmark 40-year study of red deer stag territorial behavior demonstrating graduated escalation. The four-level escalation ladder (roaring → parallel walk → antler clash → full combat) with precise energy costs and deterrence rates provides the biological model for Coca-Cola's fountain defense strategy.
The finding that 82% of intrusions end at the cheapest level (2 calories) while only 1% reach lethal combat (2,000+ calories) demonstrates how escalation ladders minimize average defensive cost while maintaining maximum deterrence.
Key Findings from Clutton-Brock (1982)
- 82% of intrusions deterred by roaring alone (2 calories)
- Each escalation stage filters progressively more-capable intruders
- Only 1% of intrusions reach full combat
- Graduated escalation minimizes average defensive cost