Activity Budget and Behavioral Patterns of Himalayan Musk Deer in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal

The Himalayan Musk Deer (HMD, <i>Moschus leucogaster</i>) is an endangered species threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and human activities. However, despite its conservation importance, the activity budgets and behavioral patterns of wild populations remain poorly understood, thus representing a key research gap. Using 25 months of camera trap data (October 2018-March 2023), this study investigated the activity patterns, behavior, and temporal overlap of HMD in the Lapchi Valley of Nepal's Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Analyzing 624 images and 323 video clips, we developed an ethogram and estimated behavioral activity budgets across three reproductive periods: pre-rut, rut, and post-rut. Behaviors were then categorized and analyzed with BORIS Software and statistical tests, including Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. HMD were predominantly crepuscular, with peaks in activity at dawn and dusk, including a minor nocturnal peak. The range of activity included locomotion (30.68%), standing (28.68%), vigilance (10.72%), sniffing (9.98%), and feeding (9.45%). Changes in behavior were significant across reproductive period, such as increased locomotion during the post-rut period and increased sniffing bout length in the pre-rut but not between sexes. Females exhibited significantly higher vigilance, whereas males showed more locomotion during rut, which may be linked to territorial and mating strategies. Increased vigilance during the post-rut period for both sexes, suggesting a response to livestock presence, and behavioral adjustment to anthropogenic disturbance. The study also documented rare behaviors such as tail-pasting, courtship displays, acoustic communication, lactation, and alarm responses. Overall, this study provides new insights into the behavioral ecology of Himalayan musk deer in wild and highlights the importance of continuous monitoring. The findings offer valuable guidance for conservation management and the development of policies aimed at minimizing anthropogenic disturbances in musk deer habitats.