Physical and Behavioural Changes in Correlation with the Testosterone Levels of Dominant Males of a Captive Population of Spotted Deer

摘要

The present study was carried out in a captive population of spotted deer in Government Zoo, Thrissur, Kerala,India. In most of the zoos and other captive facilities, spotted deer often multiply in unmanageable numbers. A thorough understanding of the breeding behaviour of this species is essential in this regard. Out of a total of 45 males of a captive spotted deer population, four males in the higher order of hierarchy were identified and selected for the study. Behavioural data collection was carried out by focal animal sampling for one hour during different periods of the day. Faecal samples from these animals were collected once weekly, it was processed and analyzed for faecal testosterone using Radio Immunoassay. The faecal testosterone levels was maximum in the rutting stage followed by velvet shedding stage. The testosterone levels were lowest in the velvet stage followed by antler casting stage. The correlation between behavioural observation and faecal testosterone values is a reliable means to interpret the breeding behaviour of higher order males. It will also help to evolve a successful method to curtail the exploring population in captivity.