Phenological acclimatisation of translocated white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) from New Zealand to China

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adaptation of translocated species to new habitats can be evaluated by comparing their behaviour and physiology with resident species. Twenty-eight white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) were translocated successfully from New Zealand to China in 2015, including 16 males and 12 females (7 pregnant and 5 non-pregnant). We assumed that the seasonal behaviour and reproductive physiology of the translocated white-red deer would gradually converge toward the seasonal patterns exhibited by resident red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus). Thus, we monitored the behaviours of translocated white-red deer and compared these behaviours with that of resident red deer living in the same environment. The results showed that the white-red deer, translocated during the oestrus and breeding season, was different in various behaviours with the resident red deer. The resting and feeding behaviour of translocated white-red deer were significantly less than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05), while the standing and movement behaviour were significantly more than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05). Compared with non-pregnant translocated individuals, the pregnant translocated white-red deer need more time to adapt to seasonal and environmental changes. Regular monitoring of translocated white-red deer should be implemented to maintain the sustainable development of the white-red deer population.