Driven by wildlife conservation and economic demands, captive breeding has expanded globally, intensifying wildlife–human interactions. In specialty animal breeding, particularly for species with short domestication histories and underdeveloped breeding protocols, clinically important antibiotics are commonly misused, posing potential ecological and health risks that remain largely unexplored. We collected fecal samples from three groups of musk deer (Moschus berezovskii): those exposed to clinically important antibiotics, those not exposed for six months, and wild musk deer, and analyzed their microbiomes and resistomes using metagenomic and culture-based methods. We found that captivity significantly expanded and reshaped the fecal resistome of musk deer. The antibiotic-exposed musk deer harbored a significantly higher diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) compared to those non-exposed to antibiotics and wild deer. We observed a higher abundance of clinically important ARGs within Enterobacteriaceae in fecal samples of captive musk deer. This observation was further supported by the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 124 Escherichia coli strains isolated from antibiotic-exposed musk deer. Seven identical mobile genetic element-associated ARGs were detected in distinct bacterial hosts across fecal samples from musk deer and farm workers, indicating potential conjugative transfer between the two groups. Our results suggest that captive breeding of specialty animals is an overlooked but significant reservoir for disseminating clinically important ARGs, and underscore the transmission risk at the animal–human interface.

As a result of the work, a comprehensive analysis of the connection of the transcriptional activity of the LCORL gene in the transverse breast muscle of the northern deer of the Nenetskaya breed with its killer mass was carried out. A comparative analysis of the level of relative expression of the LCORL gene in the studied fabric in deer in various groups on the basis of “slaughter mass” showed that the LCORL gene is highly expressed in the slaughter group of 50.2–59.2 kg (Median = 0.367), and the lowest expression in the deer group 60.2–75.0 kg (Median = 0.036). The analysis of literary sources revealed that the tissue expression of the LCORL gene, taking into account the weight characteristics of the deer, was not previously studied. The results of this study provide new information about the features of the expression of the LCORL gene in the northern reindeer of the Nenetsk breed, taking into account tissue -specificity and letters. An analysis of correlation ties using the Dersman criterion did not reveal a multidirectional dependence of the level of relative expression of the LCORL gene in samples of the transverse chest muscle with a slaughter mass of deer of different groups, which can apparently be due to the features of the sample of deer.

Gut microbes are essential for host nutrition, immunity, and development. Various factors influence the composition and function of the gut microbial community. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the comparison of gut microbiota across different deer species, particularly those in the World Deer Park of Baotou (Inner Mongolia, China). This study utilized 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyze the fecal microbiota and potential microbial function in Père David's Deer (Elaphurus davidianus), Sika deer (Cervus nippon), American Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), Red Deer (Cervuselaphus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), and Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The findings indicated no significant differences in alpha diversity, yet there was a noteworthy distinction in beta diversity among the six deer groups. At the phylum level, the predominant bacteria in the deer populations were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, 54 core bacterial microbiota were identified. The top four genera in AW, FD, PD, and SD were Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, RuminococcaceaeUCG-010 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group. The results of the neutral model revealed that neutral processes predominantly governed the gut microbiota community assembly in different deer species, particularly in Père David's deer. PICRUSt2 predictions showed significant enrichment of fecal bacterial functions related to fatty acid, lipid, metabolic regulator, and amino acid biosynthesis. This comparative analysis sheds light on the microbial community structure, community assembly, and potential functions, offering improved insights into the management and conservation of deer species, especially Père David's deer. Future research might focus on exploring metagenomic functions and dynamics in wild settings or across different seasons using metagenomics or metatranscriptomics.

Here we present the results of genetic analysis of an artificial deer population, inhabiting an enclosed territory near Lida. The analysis was aimed at determining the precise origins and genetic characteristics of the population and disco vering presence of any gene flow between the artificial population and the wild deer of the region. We employed mitochondrial control region haplotypes analysis to identify origins and possible matrilineal hybrids, and hybrid classification of migration analysis based on microsatellite data to discover hybrid specimens and gene flow, respectively. We have determined that the artificial population in question belongs to the species Cervus canadensis sibiricus, or Altai wapiti, originates in the South Altai region, and possesses mediocre genetic diversity as can be expected from a population of this size. While singular results of hybrid analysis seem to indicate a possibility of rare interbreeding between escaped wapiti and wild deer, there are no indicators of any substantial gene flow from the artificial population into the wild, but we believe that it still warrants additional attention in order to prevent undesirable introgression.

Hathidagar and Phato ecotourism zones are the newly opened zones in Corbett National Park. These zones are becoming quite popular among tourists as the online and offline entry for gypsy safari here is getting full every day. This study has revealed the effect of the presence and removal of Lantana shrub on the population (group size) of Chital deer inside Hathidagar Forest. In this study, groups of Chital deer have been observed starting from January 2023, before the Hathidagar forest became an ecotourism zone, and till April 2025 (28 months) after the Hathidagar forest became an ecotourism zone. Chital are found feeding in grasslands most of the year but when the grass dries up, they feed in shrubland also. In 2023, Lantana was found in the form of boundaries in grassland and shrubland, at that time large groups of Chital used to complete their feed by continuing their feed in between 1 to 2 hours, and the feed frequency was 3-4 times only. After the removal of Lantana in 2024 and 2025, the groups of Chital breaks into small groups due to the absence of a Lantana boundary, and their feeding also gets disturbed. So, the feed frequency is obtained 4-5 times to complete the feed. Along with this, the chances of a Chital or a Tiger chasing a Chital coming to the roadside have also increased, due to which the risk of human-wildlife conflicts has increased. Hence, after this study, the direct effect of Lantana on the group size of Chital can also be added to the economic importance of Lantana.

Reindeer husbandry is the basis of life, lifestyle and traditions of the aboriginal population of the Far North. As a result, the active development of the resources of Western Siberia reduces the areas suitable for reindeer grazing. Compaction of territories suitable for grazing animals creates conditions for the spread of infectious and invasive diseases that reduce productivity, weaken immunity, and often lead to the death of deer. Parasitic worms of the Cestoda class are the most numerous group in terms of the variety of pathogens of invasive etiology in reindeer. Larval cestodoses are found everywhere in reindeer herding farms in the Far North. The aim of the study was to study the infestation of reindeer with cysticercoses in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in order to clarify the species diversity and intensity of the lesion. Cysticercoses are caused by the larval stages of cestodes and parasitize the internal organs and tissues of animals, sometimes humans, causing acute inflammatory processes of the organs. The main source of the spread of cysticercosis in deer are reindeer dogs, and wolves and arctic foxes also spread the invasion. Despite the significant contribution of scientists and veterinary specialists to the study of this issue, the treatment of cysticercosis has not been sufficiently studied. During the autopsy of reindeer at slaughter complexes and directly in the field, larvae of three species of the genus Taenia were found: T. hydatigena, T. krabbei, T. parenchimatosa. The prevalence of invasion of parenchymal cysticercosis averaged 33.4% in the district. Tarandular cysticercosis was less common with an extensive invasion of 23.7%. The incidence of teniuclear cysticercosis (EI) in the districts was 2.4%. There was a significant difference in the invasiveness of deer by different types of cysticerci depending on the sex and age group of deer.

In order to ensure adequate nutrition of musk deer in captivity, it is essential to have data on the digestibility of feed nutrients. In this work, we carry out an indirect assessment of the digestive characteristics of captive musk deer in the autumn and winter periods. The influence of age, gender, physiological state, and seasonal changes on nutrient excretion is analyzed. The most sensitive parameter was found to be mineral metabolism, phosphorus metabolism in particular. Other unstable parameters include excretion of fiber, fat, and protein. The results obtained provide information on the digestibility of feed and justify the need for balancing feedings for different age and sex groups of musk deer kept under farm conditions.

Results of a study on the reproductive potential of the Taimyr wild deer in the 1987–2021 are presented. The material for the population analysis was formed by empirical samples of altogether 3695 females 2 to 17 years old each and the initial data from aerial surveys of the Taimyr population. The potential fecundity of the species in this part of the circumpolar distribution range (northern Central Siberia) in 1987–1990 averaged 0.412 ± 0.015 female fetuses per mature female. The potential fecundity, both male and female fetuses, totaled 82.4 fetuses per 100 adult females. The realized reproduction of the population in July 1988 amounted to 75.08 calves, vs 75.31 calves per 100 mature females in July 1990. Hence the infant mortality before calving for that monitoring period was 8.6–8.9%. Given the controlled use of the population resources in 1966–1990 (Soviet period), the linear regression equation for adult females was y = 4.6704x + 140.08 thousand (R2 = 0.5342, Ᾱ =5.2%), the linear trend in the numbers of underyearling calves in the period 1975–1990 being y = 5.15x + 73.9 thousand (R2 = 0.84, Ᾱ = 2.76%, r = 0.24, p 0.05). The maximum “yield” of 142.5 thousand calves was noted for the Taimyr population in the summer of 1988. The potential fecundity of the Taimyr deer decreased in 1996–1998 and amounted to 0.339 ± 0.0362 female fetuses per adult female, vs 0.379 ± 0.0013 in 1999–2006, the realized fecundity in the postnatal period in 2002–2007 was found to be 0.295 ± 0.009 females per adult female, or 59.03 calves (males + females) per 100 adult females; this can be interpreted as elimination from spring to autumn of more than 16 calves per 100 adult females (mortality rate 21.3%). Using a linear regression for the 32-year interval between 1990 and 2021, the numbers of adult deer females dropped to y = –14.36x + 231.14 thousand (R2 = 0.48, Ᾱ = 2.4, rxy= 0.89, p 0.01 (tp = 4.36, p 0.01)). The predicted abundance of adult females based on a completed point forecast for the summer of 2022 is estimated at 116.23 thousand heads, vs 101.86 thousand for the summer of 2023. The trend equation for the juvenile group of Taimyr deer showed the following quantitative characteristics in the 1990–2021 interval: y = –21.35х + 175.51 thousand (R2 = 0.95, Ᾱ = 2.9, rxy = 0.98, p 0.01 (tp = 11.01, p 0.001)). Changes in the characteristics of the natal group are negative, as the existing rates of reproduction in the population do not balance its decline. There is a clear trend towards a decrease in the biotic potential of the Taimyr population at the current rates of reproduction in its migration flows and a further decline in the productivity of the species in that part of the circumpolar distribution range.

Analysis of serum proteomic profiles of endangered Siamese and Burmese Eld's deer infected with subclinical Babesia bovis in Thailand

Fallow deer is one of the most widespread alien mammals in Europe. We documented the response of the roe deer population shortly after the fallow deer was introduced to a hunting ground in central Poland. Mean roe density dropped from 17.6 ind./100 ha to 10.5 ind./100 ha after the alien species was introduced. In the reference area, where fallow deer was absent, the roe deer density did not change in the analogue study period. At both study sites, mean roe deer productivity before fallow deer introduction was similar (1.6 juv./female). However, in the first study area, the productivity dropped to 1.4, while in the reference study area, it slightly increased to 1.75. The presence of fallow deer influenced roe deer space use negatively, i.e., the number of pellet groups of roe deer decreased with an increase in the number of fallow deer feces. Overall, the introduction of the fallow deer was successful and the population grew quickly. Yet, the economic impact of its introduction was far from satisfactory. At the same time, its negative influence on the roe deer was apparent. This shows that the fallow deer is an alien species threatening local biodiversity.

The existence of Sambar Deer ( Cervus unicolor Kerr ) is increasingly threatened due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting. However, with proper habitat management, this decline can be prevented. One of the Sambar deer-protected areas in Central Kalimantan is the Livestock Area of Palangka Raya City. This research aims to monitor the reproductive status of sambar deer based on sexual behavior in the Livestock Area of Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan. This research used six samples of sambar deer consisting of two female deer with sample codes A1&A2, two female deer with sample codes B1&B2 and two male deer with sample codes J1&J2. This research used three methods, namely Focal Animal Sampling, Ad Libitum Sampling, and One Zero Sampling. The results show that sexual activity is the lowest activity with a percentage of 1.9% (average time 13 minutes) per 11 hours. Meanwhile, the ANOVA test results show no significant difference in sexual activity between the deer groups. Keywords: Sexual Activity, Sambar Deer

Haemaphysalis longicornis is a common tick species that carries several pathogens. There are few reports on the influence of different hosts on the structure of midgut microflora in H. longicornis. In this study, midgut contents of fully engorged female H. longicornis were collected from the surface of tiger (Panthera tigris) and deer (Dama dama). The bacterial genomic DNA of each sample was extracted, and the V3-V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA were sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq sequencing. The diversity of the bacterial community of the fully engorged female H. longicornis on the surface of tiger was higher than that of deer. In total, 8 phyla and 73 genera of bacteria annotations were detected in the two groups. At the phylum level, the bacterial phyla common to the two groups were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota. At the genus level, there were 20 common bacterial genera, among which the relative abundances of Coxiella, Morganella, Diplorickettsia, and Acinetobacter were high. The Morganella species was further identified to be Morganella morganii. The alpha diversity index indicated that the bacterial diversity of the tiger group was higher than that of the deer group. Bacteroidota, Patescibacteria, Desulfobacterota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Cyanobacteria were solely detected in the tiger group. A total of 52 bacterial genera were unique in the tiger group, while one bacterial genus was unique in the deer group. This study indicates that there are differences in the structure of the gut bacteria of the same tick species among different hosts. Further culture-based methods are needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the tick microbiota parasitizing different hosts.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious prion disease that infects members of the Cervidae family (i.e., deer) resulting in widespread ecological, economic, and recreational ramifications. We introduce a spatially explicit individual-based model (IBM) that integrates individual deer movement and behavior with population and disease dynamics to forecast CWD in populations of free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We use a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Dead (S-E-I-D) epidemiological framework to explore spatiotemporal dynamics of CWD within an agriculturally dominated area in Michigan, USA. The IBM results closely mimicked documented short- and long-term dynamics of white-tailed deer populations and CWD in the Midwestern, USA. We applied pattern-oriented modeling using annual apparent CWD prevalence rates reported by Midwestern state wildlife agencies to validate the disease model. The introduction of a single infected deer to the modeled landscape (93 km2) led to an outbreak of CWD in 100 out of 350 model simulations (29 %); prevalence never exceeded 1.47 % for repetitions where the outbreak ended. For the 100 simulations where disease persisted, the deer population declined by 87 % by year 50 following initial introduction of CWD. Mean (±SD) prevalence after 5, 10, 25, and 50 years was 1.1 % (±1.0 %), 3.4 % (±3.3 %), 46.5 % (±18.8 %), and 51.8 % (±18.1 %), respectively, which highly correlated (r = 0.99) with annual CWD prevalence reported in Wisconsin white-tailed deer populations for years 1–21 post initial detection. Combined with a global sensitivity analysis, the IBM indicated that prevalence of CWD at year 20 was most sensitive to harvest rate of yearling and adult female deer and least sensitive to prion shedding rate, prion half-life, and deer group numbers, indicating that deer population parameters were more influential than disease parameters on CWD dynamics. Our IBM serves as a tool to explore and better understand indirect and direct transmission of CWD within free-ranging cervid populations. Users of this model can adjust parameter values to explore how interactions among individual deer and between deer and their environment affect CWD dynamics. This IBM also serves as a framework for applying and assessing spatially and temporally explicit management scenarios.

The persistence of fecal or pellet groups is indispensable when using the pellet group counting technique to estimate population densities and relative abundances of deer, as well as other herbivores. This technique is widely employed worldwide, and in México, the majority of deer abundance estimates have been made using this tool. However, for mule deer (Odocoileus hemonious) in México, there is no data on the persistence of pellet groups, and there is only one study on white-tailed deer. The pellet group counting technique has two main methods: a) "Fecal Standing Crop," where the accumulated pellet groups in plots are counted in a single visit, and b) "Fecal Accumulation Rate," which estimates density based on the accumulation of new fecal groups between two sampling periods, initially requiring the removal of all fecal groups from plots and counting again after some time. Both methods require knowing the pellet group disappearance rate during the pellet group accumulation period. This information is fundamental to understanding the ecology and making precise decisions in the management and conservation of mammals, such as mule deer, a species that is declining in some regions of México. Due to the lack of studies on the persistence of pellet group of mule deer in México, the aim of this study was to determine the persistence of mule deer fecal groups and their color changes over time, to establish pellet accumulation periods for estimating population abundances without biases when using this technique in arid habitats. We monitored 102 fecal groups for four years in the Chihuahuan Desert, finding that pellet groups are only lost during the summer rainy season. All pellet groups deposited between October and May were present, and all pellet groups turned white only after the first summer rainy season. The persistence of pellet groups was similar across seasons (fall, winter, spring) and deposition years (2004 to 2006). Some pellet groups persisted for over four years. The data suggest that the only source of degradation of pellet groups is summer rains, and no degradation by biological agents, such as fungi or insects, was observed. In summary, in arid areas, to estimate deer use or density throughout the entire dry season through pellet group counting, it is suggested that only two visits with either of the mentioned techniques are needed. If "Fecal Standing Crop" is used, there is now certainty that all non-white pellets are post the summer rainy season. If the "Fecal Accumulation Rate" technique is used, there is certainty that there will be no loss of pellets groups between the accumulation period of the entire dry season, approximately 7.5 months later. By reducing the number of visits, it allows us to cover more sampling sites, expand the study area, and obtain more precise estimates that will help understand ecological aspects and make management decisions.

It is well known that the gut microbiome is closely linked to animal health. The purpose of this study was to determine the species diversity of the gut microbiota for subsequent ongoing monitoring of the health of sika deer (Cervus nippon) at the “Losiny Ostrov National Park” near Moscow (Russia). We identified the composition of the gut microbiota using the microbiological method as the most accessible for regular monitoring of the health of sika deer. Identification of microorganisms was carried out using time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Also we assessed the degree of digestibility of feed using morphological examination of fecal. We compared the gut microbiota of deer using two-way analysis of variance test, composition of the gut microbiota of adult and juvenile deer using the Mann–Whitney U-test and the Kruskal– Wallis test. The composition of the sika deer gut microbiota is represented by the 3 Phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, at the Family level: Lactobacillaceae, Streptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, Micrococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. We found significant differences in Escherichia coli (p < .05) and Enterococcus faecium (p < .05) abundance between sika deer groups. According to the Mann–Whitney U-test, we did not reveal significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiota of adult and juvenile sika deer (p > .05). We identified groups of sika deer with symptoms of diarrhea, and using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we identified significant differences between microbiota of these groups of animals. Morphological examination of feces confirmed them. These studies are recommended to be carried out regularly as part of routine clinical monitoring of wild and park animals, as they are available, cost-efficient, and sufficiently informative, and they also make it possible to identify animals with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, allowing timely treatment. Cite this article as: Ananev, L., Maryushina, T., Kryukovskaya, G., Davydov, E., Maryushina, A., Karabanov, S., & Kryukovskiy, R. (2024). Analysis of the gut microbiota of sika deer (Cervus nippon) inhabiting the limited area of Losiny Ostrov National Park. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 50(1), 16-24.

Context Wildlife emergencies (e.g. injured animals) often require capture or humane dispatch of animals to resolve the situation. Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have the potential to immobilise white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for a short duration to avoid potential risks of extended immobilisation (e.g. chemical immobilisation) and increase safety for managers and the public during humane killing by gunshot. Aims To test rapid immobilisation with minimal long-term physiological consequences of CEW immobilisation of white-tailed deer. Methods We arranged five treatment groups of captive deer, including (1) chemical immobilisation with 5-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (2) chemical immobilisation with 15-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (3) 5-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10), (4) 15-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10) and (5) a control group with no chemical immobilisation or CEW exposure (n = 10). We conducted treatments 1 and 2 to determine short-term physiological effects of CEWs on deer, related to overall welfare. In treatment groups 1 and 2, we sedated deer to collect blood immediately before CEW exposure, and 2 days and 5 days post-exposure for serum biochemical analysis (to measure physiological markers of organ and tissue damage). We observed deer before, during and after treatments to evaluate potential behavioural changes. Key results All deer showed signs of muscle paralysis immediately after exposure to CEW and regained muscle control immediately after the exposure ended. Serum biochemistry results for treatment group 1 and 2 revealed significant increases in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 2 days post-treatment, before returning to pre-exposure concentrations by day 5-post-exposure, suggesting temporary myopathy. By 15-days post-exposure, deer that were only exposed to the CEW had 27 of 39 (69%) remotely fired probes still attached. No long-term behavioural or physiological changes were observed post-treatment. Conclusions Our findings suggest that for immobilisation of white-tailed deer, short-term exposure to a CEW to is a potential alternative to typical capture techniques and can provide sufficient immobilisation to approach and humanely kill deer by gunshot if necessary in wildlife emergencies. Implications As with all capture techniques, trainings and protocols should be developed to ensure the safety of personnel and animals during CEW exposures.

Purpose: the study of economic and significant indicators of the Koryak ecotype of the northern deer.Materials and methods. The model for the study of the Koryak ecotype was the livestock of animals in agricultural enterprises for breeding the northern deer in the Kamchatka Peninsula during the stable development of the industry, with a total number of more than 125 thousand individuals. The entire number of deer was contained in 86 herds, on average in one herd, up to 1,400-1500 animals fell. Zootechnical information was taken from annual reports of deer farms. In the study of farms, indicators used in the reindeer husbandry industry were taken: the number of deer at the beginning of the year; the uterus in the structure of the herd (the number of important and heels in % to the total number of deer); offspring - received living calves at the end of the hotel per 100 uterus, %; DWT - a business exit of calves at the end of the year per 100 uterus, %; SVP - the safety of the adult number of deer at the end of the year, %; Production of meat in live weight, taking into account growth per 100 January deer, in C; Live weight of sexual age groups, kg.Results. The reindeer husbandry of the territory was distinguished by high quality indicators. The specific gravity of the uterus in the structure of the herd was maintained at 60 % and higher. The deer of this ecotype has good reproductive properties, on average at the end of the hotel there were more than 86 calves per 100 queens. The business yield of young animals at the end of the year on average ecotip was 80.6 % with fluctuations from 73 to 86.5 %, which confirms the high reproductive properties and viability of the young deer group of the northern deer. The safety indicator of the adult livestock at the end of the year was at the level of 93.9 % with fluctuations in individual populations from 90.4 % to 96.5 %. The production of meat in live weight, taking into account the growth of 100 deer according to individual scope, was flukes from 28 to 31.5 c, with an average ecotype value over 29.2 c. In terms of live weight of the Koryak ecotype deer, they exceeded the analogues of the sexual age groups of deer in the Chukotsk AO by 1.0-7.7 %, which confirms their high household chores. When crossing the deer of the Koryak ecotype and the Chukotka breed, a manifestation of heterosis was noted, since the estates significantly exceeded both initial parental forms in live weight, the preservation of the livestock, the business exit of young animals increased, and the production of meat increased. The identification of highly productive ecotypes and the creation on their basis of in -breed structures will increase the productivity of the northern deer.

Cheetal deer (Axis axis Erxleben, 1777) is the most abundance species of deer found in Corbett National Park. The Bijrani and Jhirna, two zones of Corbett Park (with abundance of wildlife) are selected for the study of Cheetal. The primary data for this study is mainly based on direct observation by field visits in the study area. The largest group of Cheetal deer was 252 and the highest mean group size was 79.6 found in March 2019 in Jhirna zone. While in Bijrani zone the largest group of Cheetal deer was 172 individual and the highest mean group size was 56.4 found in March 2019. According to this study there is a variation in monthly group size of Cheetal deer and number of groups in both Bijrani and Jhirna zone of Corbett National Park. The group aggregation of Cheetal deer depends upon maximum and minimum temperature, food availability, visibility in park and number of more babies in group (fawning season). In March (spring) there is sufficient food available in the grassland and shrub area (new sprouting grass) so the population of Cheetal deer is found highest and also group size is found largest in Corbett National Park.

Simple SummarySika deer is a rare livestock resource in China, and the main purpose of breeding is to obtain antlers that can be used as medicinal herbs. As an important limiting amino acid for ruminants, the dietary level of methionine greatly affects the utilization efficiency of protein in feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of different dietary methionine levels on antler-bearing sika deer by supplementing methionine. The results of the study showed that methionine supplementation improved the quality of Sika deer antlers and increased the efficiency of the animals utilizing acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber in the feed. In addition, methionine supplementation altered the composition of free amino acids in the rumen fluid and the composition of fecal bacteria in sika deer.Amino acid balance is central to improving the efficiency of feed protein utilization and for reducing environmental pollution caused by intensive farming. In previous studies, supplementation with limiting amino acids has been shown to be an effective means of improving animal nutrient utilization and performance. In this experiment, the effects of methionine on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, antler nutrient composition, rumen fluid amino acid composition, fecal volatile fatty acids and intestinal bacteria in antler-growing sika deer were investigated by randomly adding different levels of methionine to the diets of three groups of four deer at 0 g/day (CON), 4 g/day (LMet) and 6 g/day (HMet). Methionine supplementation significantly increased the apparent digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the LMet group (p < 0.05). The crude protein and collagen protein of antlers were significantly higher in the LMet and HMet groups compared to the CON group and also significantly higher in the HMet group compared to the LMet group, while the calcium content of antlers was significantly lower in the HMet group (p < 0.05). Ruminal fluid free amino acid composition was altered in the three groups of sika deer, with significant changes in aspartic acid, citrulline, valine, cysteine, methionine, histidine and proline. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were highest in the rectal microflora. Unidentified bacterial abundance was significantly decreased in the HMet group compared to the CON group. Based on the results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and Adonis analysis, there was a significant difference in the composition of the intestinal flora between the CON and HMet groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, compared with the CON group, the abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010 in the LMet group increased significantly (p < 0.05), the abundance of dgA-11_gut_group in the HMet group decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, Saccharofermentans and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group increased significantly. Taken together, the results showed that methionine supplementation was beneficial in increasing the feed utilization efficiency and improving antler quality in sika deer, while affecting the composition of fecal bacteria.

Animal movements are realizations of complex spatiotemporal processes. Central to these processes are the varied environmental contexts in which animals move, which fundamentally impact the movement trajectories of individuals at fine spatial and temporal scales. An emerging perspective in time geography is the direct examination of the influence that varying contexts may have on observed movements. An approach that considers environmental context can yield actionable information for wildlife management, planning, and conservation; for instance, identifying areas of probable occupancy by an animal may improve the efficiency of fieldwork. This research develops the first known practical application of a new cost-distance-based, probabilistic voxel space–time prism (CDBPSTP) in efforts to more realistically characterize the unobserved habitat occupancies of animals occurring between known positions provided by location-aware technologies. The CDBPSTP method is applied to trajectory data collected for a group of red deer (Cervus elaphus) tracked near Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. As a demonstration of the added value from examining how context influences movement, CDBPSTP habitat occupancy results are compared to the earlier PSTP method in context with empirical and theoretical understandings of red deer habitat preference and space-use behaviors. This comparison reveals that with CDBPSTP, variation present in the mover’s environment is explicitly considered as an influence on the mover’s probable path and occupancies between observations of its location. With the increasing availability of high-resolution geolocational and associated environmental data, this study highlights the potential for CDBPSTP to be leveraged as a broadly applicable tool in animal movement analysis.