Article Abstract
International Journal of Advance Research in Multidisciplinary, 2023;1(2):149-152
Developmental stages and morphology of antlers in common deer species found in Jim Corbett national park Uttarakhand, India
Author : Dr. Shalini
Abstract
The study is based on two year field survey (November 2017 to October 2019) by direct observation of deer species in Jim Corbett National Park. The Cheetal deer (Axis axis Erexleben 1777), Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor Kerr 1792) and Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac Zimmermann, 1780) are common species while Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is rarely seen in Corbett Park. This study deals with antler morphology and developmental stages based on 96 direct observations in tourist area and buffer area of Corbett Park. The different stages of antlers are found on different age male deers and sometime falling on ground and stuck on branches of tree or shrubs also. The antlers are branched, bony structure; originate from pedicles, found on forehead of a male deer (buck). The major use of antlers is to attract the female in herds in rutting period and to show the dominance among the males in herds and in marking activity by buck and to remove insects, seeds, dry mud form the body. In Corbett National Park, the antlers are distinguished by its colour, length, end-points, branching, pedicles etc. in different species of deers (Cheetal, Sambar and Barking deer). The antler develops from button stage to pedicel to spike to velvet and then hard antler stage. The antler development starts at the age of 8-9 months in a deer and it shedding after discontinuation of blood supply in every year (showing the deciduous nature in December to March).
Keywords
Antler, deer, velvet, hard antler, brow tine, main beam