We studied characteristics of birth-site and early mother-infant relationship of golden takin Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi from February 2004 to March 2004 in Foping National Nature Reserve,Shaanxi(E107°41′-107...We studied characteristics of birth-site and early mother-infant relationship of golden takin Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi from February 2004 to March 2004 in Foping National Nature Reserve,Shaanxi(E107°41′-107°55′,N33°33′-33°46′).Total of 108 wild takins including 11 calves was accumulatively observed.The birth season of Takin occurred from early February to late March.The earliest observation of a new born calf during the study period was on 10 February,and the latest one was on 20 March.During field work we located four birth sites at the upper position of the southern slope covered by vegetation of deciduous broad-leafed forest or mixed coniferous and broadleaved forest.Calves were delivered at a small flat of 6.78±4.65 m2 located from 2 020 to 2 404 m in elevation either blocked by bamboo forest or against a steep slope.Female takins delivered their calf with the group,and the calf was capable moving with their mother soon after birth.Mother-infant relationship was very close when calf was less than 7 days old.Mother gave a special care to her infant less than 2 days old.However,the distance between mother and calf became greater when the infant exceeded 7 days of age.The attention of mother on her calf declined as it grew up to 7 days in age.展开更多
文摘We studied characteristics of birth-site and early mother-infant relationship of golden takin Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi from February 2004 to March 2004 in Foping National Nature Reserve,Shaanxi(E107°41′-107°55′,N33°33′-33°46′).Total of 108 wild takins including 11 calves was accumulatively observed.The birth season of Takin occurred from early February to late March.The earliest observation of a new born calf during the study period was on 10 February,and the latest one was on 20 March.During field work we located four birth sites at the upper position of the southern slope covered by vegetation of deciduous broad-leafed forest or mixed coniferous and broadleaved forest.Calves were delivered at a small flat of 6.78±4.65 m2 located from 2 020 to 2 404 m in elevation either blocked by bamboo forest or against a steep slope.Female takins delivered their calf with the group,and the calf was capable moving with their mother soon after birth.Mother-infant relationship was very close when calf was less than 7 days old.Mother gave a special care to her infant less than 2 days old.However,the distance between mother and calf became greater when the infant exceeded 7 days of age.The attention of mother on her calf declined as it grew up to 7 days in age.