To beat or not to beat: Behavioral plasticity during the antler growth period affects cortisol but not testosterone concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) males.

摘要: Abstract Out of rut, male red deer (Cervus elaphus) associate themselves in bachelor groups where animals compete for rank position via agonistic interactions. In a previous study on deer, males were recognized either as “Non-Fighters” (NF, low frequency attacks) or “Fighters” (F, high attacks). This study, therefore, aims to verify the consistency inter-individual differences fighting attitude across different social contexts and investigate whether they could be considered an individual characteristic. Behavioral was presumed three sampling seasons, assuming that NF would have lower cortisol (C) testosterone (T) concentrations than F males. 2015 kept one large group labelled F. 2016, herd divided into two subgroups (“NF” “F”) based attacks. Finally, 2017, randomly composed subgroups. Data about behavior concentration C T collected during each season. individuals differed only attitude. After division, attacks always increased, being consistently Unexpectedly, slight increase detected compared who experienced no difference neither nor 2017. No significant found T. We concluded that, even though had shown behavioral plasticity, their diversified interaction-prone been maintained despite modifications environment.