Daily behavior rhythm of captive Chinese monals

Abstract The behavioral rhythm and time distribution of the Chinese monal ( Lophophorus lhuysii ) in captivity was different from those in the wild, and this may affect its reproductive rate and survival status. In order to understand the behavior characteristics of captive Chinese monals, between August 2016 and August 2017 an instantaneous scanning method was employed to investigate the daily behavioral rhythm of captive Chinese monals in Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. The results indicated the following: the daily behavioral rhythm of Chinese monals demonstrated the absence of a distinct feeding peak during the spring breeding season. In summer, autumn, and winter, foraging and wandering behaviors exhibited peaks in both the morning and evening, while resting behavior and foraging or wandering behavior displayed distinct peaks. Preening behavior was observed across all seasons, with a peak occurring around noon. Differences in diurnal behavioral rhythms between males and females were noted across all seasons. The time distribution of daily behavior demonstrated notable seasonal regularity and periodicity, and also showed differences between males and females. In spring, no significant differences were found between males and females in feeding, resting, preening, and sand-bathing behavior (all ). During summer, the sand-bathing behavior of males was significantly lower than that of females (all ). In autumn, males exhibited a significantly higher frequency of forging behavior ( ) and a significantly lower frequency of resting behavior compared to females ( ). Additionally, wandering behavior in males was significantly lower than in females ( ). In winter, the sand-bathing behavior of males was significantly lower than that of females ( ). This study is not only of great significance for the conservation and artificial breeding of this species, but also has practical application value for understanding its ecological habits and improving the level of feeding and management.