BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT OF SINDH IBEX (CAPRA AEGAGRUS BLYTHI) IN A MIXED GROUP: INSIGHTS INTO CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT AND WELFARE

Abstract

The Sindh Ibex (Capra aegagrus blythi) is a wild goat subspecies native to arid, rugged mountainous regions of Pakistan. This study investigates the differences in behavioral patterns of male, lactating and non-lactating females of Sindh Ibex in lactation period in a controlled captive environment. All of the observations were systematically recorded over a period of five days for different behavioral categories including feeding, grooming, climbing, social interaction, maternal care, nursing and territory. Using Mann-Whitney U test, the study revealed significant sex and status specific behavioral patterns. Lactating females exhibited significant higher frequencies of maternal care, lactation, and nursing behaviors while males exhibited greater alertness and territorial behavior. Grooming was also more observed in lactating females reflecting maternal investment and self-maintenance. Non lactating females, although behaviorally distinct, showed overlap with both groups in maintenance activities such as foraging and resting. The enclosure management with consistent food availability and spatial enrichment supported naturalistic behavior while mitigating stress. The findings emphasize the influence of reproductive status on behavioral priorities in captive ungulates. These results provide valuable insights for improving enclosure design, reproductive management and welfare monitoring protocols in zoological settings to house Sindh Ibex.