Exploratory behavior of Reeves’s muntjacs (Muntiacus reevesi) toward fence wires of different heights

Abstract

To determine the potentially effective electric fence heights for Reeves’s muntjacs (Muntiacus reevesi), their exploratory behavior toward fence wires of different heights was investigated. Twelve captive muntjacs (three females and nine males) were used and presented with a nonenergized wire fence with six tiers at 10-cm intervals reaching up to 60 cm in height. A two-tiered fence with 20-cm intervals was also presented as an additional experiment. As a result, all individuals presented the six-tiered fence touched the 20- or 30-cm-high wire with their noses. Only the 20-cm-high fence wire was touched in the two-tiered fence. Most individuals passed between the 20- and 30-cm-high wires, but some individuals passed below the 20-cm-high wire. These results suggest that, with proper application of electric stimulation, a four-tiered fence with 10 cm intervals would be desirable, but a two-tiered fence with 20 cm intervals would also be effective in preventing a Reeves’s muntjac intrusion.