Population Structure Analysis of Spotted Deer in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India.

Abstract

In the southern region of Asia, the Axis axis is a species that is only found there. Spotted deer populations have experienced a significant fall across their entire range, and they are currently only found in 123 protected areas in India and a few other places throughout the world. When it comes to the social organisation of many ungulates, the size of the group is widely considered to be an essential characteristic. The population structure of the Axis axis was observed in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and discussions are held regarding the many elements that contribute to the structure of the population. It was observed that the number of spotted deer in a group significantly increased during dry seasons. This occurred because of the merging of more than one group during a time when there were fewer feeding patches available; hence, the dry season is the time when there is a greater likelihood of encountering more than one group meeting. During the winter season, a greater proportion of individuals were observed to be living alone. During this time, adult men quit their original groups and begin living a life of solitude. In the interim, they may join new groups. Throughout the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, female Spotted deer resided in small, stable groups that fluctuated in size. These groups were primarily comprised of younger animals. On the other hand, men typically remained in mixed-sex groups or created groups consisting solely of males, with the exception of the rut, which saw a considerable increase in the proportion of males that were solitary.