title: Influence of the buck on social behavior of captive female fallow deer (dama dama) during the rutting season.
abstract: The behavioral interactions and grouping patterns of eight confined fallow deer (Dama dama) were observed during the rutting season to determine the influence of the buck on herd social organization and behavior. Data were collected on five does, two female fawns, and one male fawn under three conditions: (1) buck in the paddock, (2) buck not in the paddock but present outside of the paddock fence, and (3) buck absent. When the buck was in the paddock, all deer engaged in more non-agonistic social behavior. When the buck was absent, the aggressive behavior of the dominant does increased and was directed primarily at the subordinate does. The significance of male suppression of female-female aggression is discussed in regard to reproductive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, N.C. 27706 U.S.A.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Werts