BIOACOUSTICS OF RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS)

Abstract

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) emit acoustic communication signals during rutting, the analysis of which can help determine the size and density of the population and can also help analyze certain characteristics of an individual red deer. Research related to the acoustic signals of red deer has been conducted worldwide but this area has been little studied in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to investigate the acoustic communication signals of red deer during rutting period. The study was chosen to be conducted in the VMU ŽŪA scientific and educational hunting area unit “Praviršulio tyrelis” located in the Radviliškis district. 4 autonomous voice recorders SM4 were deployed in different areas of this hunting area unit which recorded the sound during the rutting of red deer. After analyzing the collected data 4 main phrases used by red deer males were identified: threatening roar, searching roar, calm roaring and attracting females roar. The length of the most commonly used phrases varies. It has also been found that the frequency of acoustic communication signals emitted by male red deer is greatly influenced by the time of day and the period of the rut. They are most active in the middle of the rut, in the night period. However, the course of the rut does not affect the length of the most commonly used phrases, which remain of similar length throughout the entire rut.