The preorbital gland is a paired exocrine gland, appearing as a slit-shaped cavity located anterior to the eye. It is found in many ungulates, particularly in the families Bovidae, Cervidae, and various antelope species.
Scent marking using the preorbital gland in the Banbakri antelope,
also known as the white-footed antelope (Boselaphus
tragocamelus ), was studied at the Haryana Agriculture Farm, VKS College of
Agriculture, Dumraon. This study investigated the behaviour of Banbakri
antelopes concerning preorbital gland opening under various conditions,
including stress, starvation, and maturity. The research aimed to assess this
behaviour as part of a broader investigation into the phenotypic and
behavioural characteristics of Banbakri/Nilgai to enhance their well-being and
improve resource management. The research is important because it will expand
the understanding of this elegant species' behaviour and the functional role of
its preorbital gland. Its potential applications in antimicrobial drug
development will be explored as well.
The behaviour of male and female Banbakri was observed in
captivity. During winter, the Banbakri was kept indoors in a 10x20 feet room.
Occasionally, it was released into a large outdoor enclosure during summer,
winter, and rainy seasons. The enclosure was surrounded by wire fencing approximately
200 by 150 feet (LxW) and 6 feet in height. The enclosure had a savanna.
In mature Banbakri antelopes, the preorbital glands measured
approximately 2.1 cm in length and 1.0 cm in width. These exocrine glands,
appearing as trench-like slits of dark blue to black coloration, were located
beneath the eyes. Under free-roaming conditions, both male and female B. tragocamelus rarely exhibited
preorbital gland opening. However, the gland was observed to open under stress,
particularly when the animal was restrained with a halter for the first time,
either at night or occasionally during the day. Preorbital gland opening was
also noted during maturity, hunger, and stressful conditions. The findings
suggest that this behaviour may serve as a key indicator for differentiating
between playful, courtship, and aggressive social behaviours, particularly in
stressful situations or stages of maturity. Additionally, the gland may secrete
pheromonal substances that facilitate olfactory communication.
It can also be said that preorbital gland opening may be an
important behavioural indicator of the real maturity of the individual in the
sexual context and also in stressful conditions.
To the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have reported the
opening of the preorbital gland in Banbakri antelopes (B. tragocamelus). This
study presents the first recorded observation of this behaviour in captive
white-footed antelopes, contributing novel insights into their behavioural
ecology.
Thus, it can be concluded that this gland opens in Banbakri
antelopes under stress, starvation, or sexual maturity contexts, and may serve
as an essential behavioural indicator. This could help distinguish between
playful, courtship, aggressive, social status, and other behaviours to
communicate with other members of Banbakri (Boselaphus
tragocamelus ).
Author
(s) Details
Suday
Prasad
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural
University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.
C. S.
Prabhakar
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural
University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.
Amit
Kumar
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural
University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.
Paras
Nath
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural
University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.
Reyaz
Ahmad
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural
University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v3/5103
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