FOOD PREFERENCE AND BEHAVIOR STUDY OF WHITE SPOTTED MOUSE DEER (Moschiola meminna ) IN CAPTIVITY

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.