Observations on rutting behaviour of Hangul Deer <i>Cervus elaphus hanglu</i> (Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India

Abstract

Observations on seasonal rutting behaviour of Hangul Deer Cervus elaphus hanglu were recorded in Dachigam National Park (DNP) during the years 2005 to 2007. A total of 24 breeding herds were seen. The size of the herd varied from 2-5, and usually comprised of one large stag and one or more hinds. The rutting season commenced in the main valley of lower Dachigam by late September and extended up to the first week of November. The peak was from October 9 to 20. The stags in rut became intolerant of each other and separated. The most conspicuous feature of the rut was the reverberating resonant roars by stags. The courtship behaviour was observed on six occasions and only mature stags (8-tined and above) were involved in courtship. Various anthropogenic activities in the habitat were found to impair the rutting behaviour of deer.