Seasonal pattern of agonistic and marking behaviour of adult and young pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) males

Abstract

Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is an endangered species form the southern region of South America. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the seasonal changes in agonistic and marking behaviours in adult and young male pampas deer. The study was conducted in two groups of animals: six adult (4 to 6 years old) and six young (1.5 years old) males. Agonistic and marking behaviours were weekly recorded during 1 year. Both followed a seasonal pattern, closely related to the androgen concentration annual pattern and to the antler cycle. The frequency of both types of behaviours increased before or at the beginning of the rut. In general, the age of the males did not modify greatly the pattern of the agonistic behaviours. Adult males marked more frequently than young males, especially with the preorbital gland—a behaviour also used as a visual signal for other males in other deer species—also with a clear seasonal pattern. Overall, we concluded that pampas deer males have a seasonal pattern of agonistic and marking behaviours closely associated with the reproductive seasonal pattern.