Table 3 Agonistic behaviours displayed by pampas deer males (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
From: Reproductive biology of the pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus): a review
Behavioural unit | Description of the interaction |
|---|---|
Glare | The dominant male stands with the neck held erect and looks steadily at the other individual, with the ears occasionally dropped flat against the neck. |
Antler present threat | The antler points in the direction of the other individual, with the ears back and dropped. May be part of sparring. |
Nose-touching contact | With the neck erect, the noses of two males make contact. |
Shaking head | Dominant males raise their neck and shake their head. |
Head low threat and chase | The head and the neck are lowered, with the ears held back. |
Strike and barge | Using its forefoot the male strikes another individual on the shoulder or the croup. |
Sparring and fighting | These behaviours are not easily distinguishable. |