GET THE APP

..

Journal of Animal Health and Behavioural Science

ISSN: 2952-8097

Open Access

Osteophagy Behaviour Observed in Indian Spotted Deer (Axis axis axis: Erxleben) in Wild at Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Atul Rambhau Deokar*

Pench Tiger reserve, Nagpur, Maharashtra is 25th Tiger reserve of India, having 71 mammal species, including Indian spotted deer (Axis axis axis: Erxleben). The Indian spotted deer (Axis axis axis: Erxleben) is a general feeder, feeding on more than 160 plant species consisting grasses, forbs and leaves of woody plants. Osteophagia term denotes about gnawing on bones, antlers by ungulates mainly due to the phosphorus and Calcium deficiency. Ungulates show such behaviour for fulfilment of nutrition requirements in particular periods as antler growth and lactation. This observation is first reporting of osteophagia behavior by free ranging Indian spotted deer (Axis axis axis: Erxleben) in wild.

HTML PDF

Share this article

arrow_upward arrow_upward