Phenological acclimatisation of translocated white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) from New Zealand to China

ABSTRACT Adaptation of translocated species to new habitats can be evaluated by comparing their behaviour and physiology with resident species. Twenty-eight white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) were translocated successfully from New Zealand to China in 2015, including 16 males and 12 females (7 pregnant and 5 non-pregnant). We assumed that the seasonal behaviour and reproductive physiology of the translocated white-red deer would gradually converge toward the seasonal patterns exhibited by resident red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus). Thus, we monitored the behaviours of translocated white-red deer and compared these behaviours with that of resident red deer living in the same environment. The results showed that the white-red deer, translocated during the oestrus and breeding season, was different in various behaviours with the resident red deer. The resting and feeding behaviour of translocated white-red deer were significantly less than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05), while the standing and movement behaviour were significantly more than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05). Compared with non-pregnant translocated individuals, the pregnant translocated white-red deer need more time to adapt to seasonal and environmental changes. Regular monitoring of translocated white-red deer should be implemented to maintain the sustainable development of the white-red deer population.