Activity pattern of female pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) in different reproductive phases, in Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense

Author(s)

Ana Maria Nievas

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2012-07-06

Examining board members

José Maurício Barbanti Duarte; Adriano Garcia Chiarello; Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi de Barros Ferraz

• Advisor: José Maurício Barbanti Duarte

Abstract

The space-temporal organization of activities of female pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) was studied to understand the behavioral strategies of these organisms, due to the high energy requirements of reproduction and seasonal characteristics of the Pantanal. Five animals were monitored with GPS collars in months equivalent to the stages of mating (February/2009), pregnancy (June/2009) and lactation (October/2008/2009) to obtain the activity and displacement along the 24-h cycle and the time dedicated to different classes of behavior. At the same time, climatic data of temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed were also obtained. The animals showed higher values of concentration of activity and displacement during the light phase of the day, with significant increase in twilight hours. Only the ambient humidity was relevant to the behavior of animals. The pattern of activity differed between the reproductive phases, revealing that females become more active when they are lactating. The pattern of displacement was similar between phases. The reproductive condition does not influence the time dedicated to different behaviors. At all stages, the animals were predominantly resting (45.53 ± 23.60%) and foraging (45.57 ± 18.36%). However, there was clearly a progressive increase in foraging activity during the season of mating, pregnancy and lactation. The results suggest that the behavioral patterns of females pampas deer is less influenced by the seasonality of the environment, and the reproductive condition modulates mainly foraging activity. The foraging activity is highest during lactation, when there is a high energy cost of milk production and protection of offspring. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/12115-1 - Circadian rhythms of female Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)motor activity at different reproductive cycle stages, in Pantanal Mato-Grossense.
• Grantee: Ana Maria Nievas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master