Behavioural ecology of selected deer species in captivity - a case study at thrissur zoo
By: Prakash R.
Contributor(s): Nameer P O(Guide).
Material type:
BookPublisher: Thrissur Department of WildlifeScience, College of Forestry 2007DDC classification: 634.9 Online resources: Click here to access online Dissertation note: Nameer P O(Guide) Msc Abstract: The present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating
information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the
nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer
enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the
behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo.
The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and
Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April
2003.
It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to
changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting
followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns
(walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern,
resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well
established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from
comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour
relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural
habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to
changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their
lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain
unchanged.
The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that
is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per
cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude
protein and 5-24 per cent ash.
The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to
the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided
is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This
may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo
Authority of India.
In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets
compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits
of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation
spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this
study.
| Item type | Current location | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Theses
|
KAU Central Library, Thrissur Theses | 634.9 PRA/BE PG (Browse shelf) | Available | 172719 |
Nameer P O(Guide) Msc
The present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating
information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the
nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer
enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the
behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo.
The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and
Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April
2003.
It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to
changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting
followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns
(walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern,
resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well
established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from
comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour
relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural
habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to
changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their
lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain
unchanged.
The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that
is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per
cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude
protein and 5-24 per cent ash.
The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to
the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided
is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This
may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo
Authority of India.
In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets
compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits
of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation
spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this
study.
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