Ethological study on the diurnal and nocturnal activities of spotted deer (Axis axis axis ) in captivity at Malacca Zoo (Zoo Melaka)

Abstract

The behavior of axis deer (Axis axis axis) in captivity had been studied to compare the behavior of captive deer and the wild axis deer. The study was carried out over 21 days, which comprise 252 hours with seven days before it for the pilot observation. The data for distribution of this deer around the enclosure had been collected to see the distribution of this deer for the whole day. The enclosure was divided into five parts and the position of the subjects were noted every 30 second. Generally, deer finished the day at plot C where the pellet was available and they have their food.