| Popis: |
Observations on barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) in Nepal suggest this solitary forest dweller may be the most communicative of all deer. A total of 147 h of visual observations on 9 captive and 110 wild barking deer were recorded. Thirteen stereotypic vocalizations are described including the alarm bark, distress call, displacement whine, moan, alarm wheeze, Castanet, submissive squeak, scream, grooming whine, bleat, nursing whine, maternal squeak, and pursuit call. Natives report another call, the rut call, is also given. Visual and olfactory stimuli are likewise very prominent. Antagonistic behaviors include side-saddling, foot-stomping, head bobbing, antler pointing, canine exposure, flaring of pre-orbital glands, scent marking with frontal glands, chasing, butting, and biting. Submissive behavior include grazing and crouching with head lowered and chin resting on the ground. Head bobbing was also used by females to call fawns. Conspecific and sexual interactions included allogrooming, stretching postures, and flehmen responses. Scent marking and use of dung piles were important social behaviors. |
