Conservation and Comparative Ethology of Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) and Fallow Deer (Dama dama) at Lahore Zoological Garden, Pakistan

Animal Behaviour of Hog Deer and Fallow Deer

Abstract

Fallow deer (Dama dama) and hog deer (Axis porcinus) are crepuscular; however, in captivity they are also active at other times of the day. This study was conducted at the Lahore Zoological Garden, Pakistan and focuses on the conservation and management strategies, as well as the behavioral and physical similarities and differences, of these species. A complete herd of both species was observed for eating, drinking, walking, running, resting, maternal nursing, antler rubbing, grooming, alertness, aggression/mating, rumination and excretion using the scan sampling method. Behavioral observations and data collection were carried out during September and October (2023), six days a week. Average values and percentage- based graphical representations of both interspecific and intraspecific behaviors were prepared. Overall behavioral comparisons showed that sleeping, excretion/urination, antler rubbing, grooming and running were higher in fallow deer, whereas eating, drinking, walking, resting, rumination and alert behaviors were higher in hog deer. Understanding these similarities and differences can contribute to improved management of invasive species, particularly in regions where fallow deer have been introduced outside their native range and hog deer are endemic, thereby supporting better conservation and wildlife management practices.