Activities of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra Linn. 1758) in Rainy Season: A Study in the Agricultural Pastures of Ganjam District, Orissa, India

Eight territorial males of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra Linn. 1758) were observed by Focal animal sampling method at the agricultural pastures of Ganjam district, Orissa, India in rainy season in order to determine the influences of anthropogenic activities and food patches distribution on their behaviour. It was observed that Blackbucks spent most of their time in feeding throughout the season. Time spent in lying was lowest at the peak monsoon (3.12%) in comparison to pre monsoon (14.6%) and post monsoon (7.91%). Contrary to that, the time spent in walking was highest at the middle of monsoon (27%) compared to pre-monsoon (15%) and post-monsoon (17%). The average time spent in standing showed very little seasonal variation. Other activities like rubbing, thrashing, circling, sparring, dominance display and urination-defecation were highest at pre-monsoon (6.43%) and minimum at the peak monsoon (1.87%). Diurnal activity pattern varied greatly throughout the season. In rainy season feeding and lying showed opposite peak of diurnal rhythm and significant differences were found in these activities (F = 6.51, p < 0.0001for feeding; F = 2.98, p < 0.01 for lying). Variation in the frequencies and average duration of feeding, walking, lying and others activities were found while the frequency of standing did not vary as season proceeded. It was also found that the distribution of food patches and disturbances by anthropogenic activities due to agricultural works played important role in the variation on the activity time-budget and activity patterns of Blackbuck.