Table 5 Reproductive behaviors of male Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus; N = 72) reproductive behaviors displayed during four consecutives rutting seasons (N = 227 observations; N = 330 recorded behaviors). The number of times a behaviour was recorded is shown as Obs. (observed)
| Â | Description |
|---|---|
Roaring (Obs. = 146) | Loud call that males repeat frequently during the rut. |
Flehmen (Obs. = 38) | The male raises his head and stretches the neck forward, and with the mouth opened the upper lip was curled back. |
Antler rubbing (Obs. = 50) | Rubbing of shrubs and trees where the male sways his head sideways, sometimes picking up branches and leaves that remain in the antlers. |
Parallel walk (Obs. = 10) | Two stags walk side by side usually turning to face its opponent and lowering its antlers. During the walk males are often roaring. |
Fight (Obs. = 4) | Males intertwine their antlers and struggle with the opponent by shaking their heads sideways, trying to push back the rival male. |
Female harassment (Obs. = 76) | The male pushes his face into the female’s anogenital region and runs after her for more than 5 s. |
Mount female (Obs. = 6) | Attempts to copulate, where the male rests his body on the back of the female. |