Abstract:
Scientific studies on the White spotted mouse deer (Moschiola meminna)
which is endemic to the dry zone of Sri Lanka are scanty. Although the
management of these animals under captivity differs from that of them in
natural habitats, behavioural studies in captivity are important to optimize
the welfare status of animal in captivity. The aim of this study was to
record the behaviour of white spotted mouse deer, with a particular
emphasis on their feeding behaviours and the food preference in order to
improve their welfare in the captivity. The study was carried out in the
National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka. Fifteen animals were
observed to collect data. The general behaviour in captivity was observed
and recorded as an ethogram. Ingredients that composed of their usual diet
were separated and offered in separate trays to determine their food
preferences. Food preference for a wild diet (food which they consumed
in their natural habitat) was also observed and recorded (present diet supplied as a control). Scan
sampling method was used to collect behavioural data. White spotted
mouse deer showed selective feeding reflecting their nutritional
requirements. High preference was observed for natural food that they
would get in wild than the diet they were usually offered in the zoo. Laying
was the most obvious behaviour and 54.3% animals showed this
observation. Stationary and resting behaviours were prominent than active
behaviours such as locomotion, grooming and social interactions. Social
interactions and parental care were also found to be relatively low. They
preferred to eat boiled chickpea (Cicer arietinum) (18.09%) and waterspinach (Ipomea aquatica) (12.62%) in the morning diet and Sweet potato
(Ipomea batata) (16.9%) and water spinach (10.48%) in the evening diet
.They desired more natural food from the wild rather than the usual diet
given to them. However preference for the wild diet is not significant.
Though a comprehensive study is important to confirm whether this
animal is nocturnal, semi nocturnal or diurnal.
