Dominance hierarchy and space use pattern in male captive muntjacs, Muntiacus reevesi

Social behaviour and space use patterns of 15 male muntjacs (Muntiacus reevesi) were studied in a large enclosure in 1979 and 1980. Males often interacted aggressively with each other showing distinct aggressive behaviour patterns. A dominance hierarchy was established and 4 adult males emerged as co-dominant. Movements of these dominant males were confined within small areas which did not overlap with each other and partitioned the enclosure. They defended and maintained the areas by aggressive behaviour and scent marking.