Acta Veterinaria Eurasia
Original Articles

Investigation of the Social Behavior of Gazella marica Fawns in Semi-captive Conditions

1.

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Şanlıurfa, Türkiye

2.

Department of Animal Science, Bursa Uludağ University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa, Türkiye

Acta Vet Eurasia 2024; 50: 190-195
DOI: 10.5152/actavet.2024.24003
Read: 1019 Downloads: 997 Published: 09 September 2024

Abstract
For species living in herds, social behavior plays important role during reproduction, feeding, protection, and communication. The social behavior of wild species changes during their keeping in captive conditions. The social behaviors of captive-raised Gazella marica fawns have been examined and compared with the social behaviors of previously researched wild Gazella subgutturosa fawns. Observations were made using the focal animal sampling method. Fawns have often been subjected to butting behavior (p < .001). The jumping away behavior has been significantly associated only with adult males (p < .001). Walking away after checking behavior has often occurred between May 15 and 31 (p=.007). Forehead threat has been observed less frequently between June 16 and 30 (p = .032), with no significant relationship found between other dates (p = .115). The changes in the social behavior of captive-raised gazelles and other species may lead to difficulties in adapting to the wild when they are released into their natural habitat. In fact, they may become more sensitive to hunters and humans. This situation could endanger the future of the species.

Cite this article as: Uztemur, A., & Orman, A. (2024). Investigation of the social behavior of Gazella marica fawns in semi-captive conditions. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 50(3), 190-195.

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