Social behaviour, dominance hierarchy and reproductive behaviour of sambar deer (cervus unicolor)

Abstract

A study was undertaken to investigate the social behaviour, dominance hierarchy and reproductive behaviour of sambar deer in captivity, mainly with the intention of evaluating the adaptability of the species to captive breeding. This study was conducted on the population of sambar deer in captivity at Trichur and Trivandrum zoos. Behavioural observations were made during a period spanning five months totally – from November – December 1988 to April – May 1989, on days at random. There were 21 deer in the herd at Trichur and 20 at Trivandrum. It was observed that the living conditions of the deer in these zoos are far from comparison to that of their natural habitats. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour relationship etc: are strikingly different from nature. But, in spite of all adversities, the sambar deer have learned to adapt amazingly to changing conditions, and survive fairly well. The physiological processes of their lives, such as antler casting, rut, mating, gestation and delivery remain as scheduled, except for observations that births occur at any time of the year in captivity sometimes, which is in effect to the advantage of the captive -breeder ! Maintenance of ideal herd composition at any given time would help better the living conditions as well as curtail traumatic injuries and casualties. Paucity of adequate space is a serious constraint faced by these zoos. It is time that voluntary organisations and individuals came forward with earnest interest in the upkeep of zoos as in foreign countries ; rather than leaving the whole show in the sole hands of the government as the present practice. General awareness and overall change in the attitude of the public towards our vanishing wildlife is the need of the hour.