A Study on the Daily Ethology of Adult Timor Deer (Cervus Timorensis) Based on Sex at the Jatilengger Captivity, Blitar Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the daily behavior of Timor deer (Cervus timorensis) based on sex at the Jatilengger Deer Captivity, Blitar Regency. The research subjects consisted of 16 adult deer (8 males and 8 females) aged over 2.5 years. Observations were conducted using the scan sampling method through direct observation and CCTV monitoring during for 24 hours in 30 day which is three observation periods: morning, noon, and night. The behavioral variables observed included ingestive, locomotion, resting, grooming, fighting, investigative, and rubbing behaviors. The results showed that ingestive activity was the most dominant behavior performed by Timor deer, followed by locomotion, resting, investigative, grooming, fighting, and rubbing. The high frequency of ingestive activity indicates that the feed provided in captivity has not fully met the nutritional needs of the deer. In addition, ingestive behavior was often accompanied by locomotion, reflecting the social nature of Timor deer as gregarious animals. Resting behavior occurred most frequently in the morning for basking and at noon for sheltering, often followed by grooming behavior, which increased in the afternoon. Investigative behavior tended to be more frequently performed by females but also increased when visitors arrived or during feeding times. Fighting behavior occurred only among males, particularly during feeding. Overall, Timor deer in the Jatilengger Captivity spent most of their time feeding and moving in search of food, indicating that the management of the captivity is still suboptimal, as reflected by the insufficient fulfillment of feed requirements.