The relationship between the behavioral mode of endangered female musk deer and reproduction potential next year

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm, Gansu Province, northwestern China, between June 2004 and January 2005. Focal sampling and all occurrence surveying was used to record the behavior of 42 female captive Alpine musk deer (Moschus sifanicus) in the lead up to the 2005 breeding season. The frequencies of 12 behavior categories were recorded and the behavioral patterns were compared between successful breeding females (n = 28) and barren females (n = 14). Results indicated that, during nonmating season (August to October), the females who were barren in the following season, demonstrated more affinitive and self-directed behavior as compared with successful breeding females. Tail pasting behaviour was expressed only by successful breeding females, and was observed only within the mating season (from November to March). These findings have important implications in captive breeding programs and improving musk deer farming throughout China.