Identifying personality traits and their potential application to the management of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii)

Abstract Since the 1950s musk deer (Moschidae) are kept in captivity for production of musk, a glandular secretion used Chinese traditional medicine and as an ingredient cosmetics. Most recently, forest (Moschus berezovskii) raised were reintroduced to augment depleted wild populations. The most prominent behavioral social characteristics anxiety, timid, solitary lifestyle territoriality, making difficult breed. Individual differences personality captive male could allow breeders sort bold individuals that suitable commercial farming from those with shy more timid reintroduction. We attempted identify what variables novel stimulus tests effective characterize whether individual is or shy. To measure boldness 31 adult males, we two-step approach: i) using Principal Component Analysis reference behaviors indicative either personality, ii) establish scores based on compare them between four stimuli. obtained two ‘bold PCs’ high axis loadings typical curiosity, territorial marking represent ordinary daily activity ruminant, well three ‘shy received anti-predator responses, intimidation displacement behavior. Although all tested stimuli verified suitable, unfamiliar human being was strongest test boldness, followed by leopard feces, beach ball dummy. Using cluster analysis, nearly quarter identified shy, while only one classified bold. Previous studies poultry domestic ungulates, demonstrated through continued selective breeding overall population driven towards calm temperament majority individuals. This might be beneficial but will have adverse effects successful reintroductions due reduced fitness domestication effects.