Seasonal variation in the behavior of captive alpine musk deer, Moschus sifanicus, in Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm, of China

Luan Xiaofeng,Hui Cenyi,Meng Xiuxiang,Zhao Changjie

doi:10.1590/s1984-46702010000600002

Abstract

Musk deer farming has the potential to be an effective conservation tool for the protection of musk deer as well as the production of valuable musk. To be successful, this requires a thorough understanding of the behavior of captive musk deer in order to improve their reproductive success and management. Between August 2005 to January 2006, the behavior sampling of 19 male and 13 female captive alpine musk deer, Moschus sifanicus Buchner, 1891, was used to examine the durations of twelve behavioral characteristics during the pre-rut (August to October) and rut seasons (November to January). Both males and females exhibited some seasonal variation in behavior. Males rested and fed more during the pre-rut than the rut and spent more time walking, fighting, and standing alert during the rut. Females spent more time feeding, ruminating, and interacting non-aggressively with other individuals during the pre-rut and more time in agonistic interactions during the rut. The significance of these behavioral changes and their association with husbandry practices and farm management are discussed.

Highlights

Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are well known for their production of musk, a substance secreted by adult males, which is highly valued by the perfume industry and used in many Chinese traditional medicine procedures
Tail pasting behavior was only observed during the rut season
Reproduction and the associated activities, such as lactation and competition for mates, is an energetically costly process (CLUTTON-BROCK et al 1982, FORSYTH et al 2005, HAMBLY et al 2007) so it is not surprising that behavior patterns may change in association with the reproductive season

Summary

Introduction

Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are well known for their production of musk, a substance secreted by adult males, which is highly valued by the perfume industry and used in many Chinese traditional medicine procedures. With the exception of the forest musk deer, Moschus berezovskii Flerov, 1929, alpine musk deer are the most commonly farmed species (ZHOU et al 2004). Despite their commercial importance, a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral ecology of alpine musk deer is lacking, due to their cryptic and solitary nature and highly vigilant behavior (GREEN 1987). This study explores the behavioral patterns of captive alpine musk deer in relation to reproductive season in the hope of improving our knowledge of the behavior of wild populations Based on these documented behavioral patterns and time-budgets, appropriate farming techniques can be refined to improve the welfare of captive musk deer and to attain sustainable farming practices

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Conclusion