Hierarchical cluster analysis on the acoustic parameters of the alarm call in sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Abstract

The number of sika deer (Cervus nippon) inhabiting public pastures in Japan has rapidly increased. Our purpose was to investigate sika deer vocalizations to create voice-based countermeasure technology. We classified the acoustic parameters of alarm calls of sika deer in this study. Alarm calls of seven adult sika deer (three castrated males and four females) were recorded. These vocalizations were visualized using waveform shapes and spectrograms, and the acoustic parameters were quantified using Praat acoustic analysis software. Differences in call duration, fundamental frequency (mean, minimum, and maximum), intensity (mean, minimum, and maximum), and formants (1–5) were compared among groups classified by a hierarchical cluster analysis. Using an independent-samples t-test indicated that call duration, fundamental frequency (minimum and maximum) and formants (2–5) were significantly differed among groups configured regardless of sex. Alarm calls of sika deer are classified into several types according to their acoustic characteristics.

Journal of Warm Regional Society of Animal Science, Japan 68 （1）: 23-29, 2025