Time budget for activity pattern and food selection in Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella bennetti) in arid region in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Indian gazelle (Gazella gazella bennetti) commonly known as Chinkara was observed at Dhorimanna of Barmer District, one of the district of the Thar Desert, in Rajasthan to understand the diurnally activity pattern and time allocated to various activities, viz., grazing, walking, standing and rest. Gazelle showed two major activity namely grazing and rest wherein devoted nearly equal time 43.9% and 40.9% respectively which comprised of 85% of total time. The grazing peaks were in the morning and evening hours. The peak of rest was in the hours where grazing is minimum or nil. Other two activities standing and walking were insignificant. Indian gazelle ate 19 species out of 36 species available in natural habitat. Almost all part of plants were consumed. The browser nature of gazelle is confirmed.