Investigation of the social behavior of gazella marica fawns in semi-captive conditions

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.