Deer of the Zoological Garden, Kolkata, India-A Comparative Study on their Behaviour

The present study was carried out on some selected species of deer viz., Axis axis, Cervus eldii and Muntiacus muntjac at the Zoological Garden, Alipur, Kolkata. On analysis, it was found that the males of C. eldii remained more active throughout the day (56.87% time of day) compared to A. axis (53.14%) and M. muntjac (48.95%). Amongst females A. axis was found to be more active throughout the day (58.95%) in comparison to those of M. muntjac (41.95%) and C. eldii (55.25%). A significant inter-specific variation was noted in diurnal pattern of activities. After analysis, it was recorded that the A. axis and C. eldii were more active in morning and less active at noon, whereas M. muntjac was less active in morning and more active at noon. Result also showed that A. axis and C. eldii were less interactive with the visitors while M. muntjac interacted significantly.