Impact of the conflict interactions and social learning on the hierarchy structure in captive males of Moschus chrysogaster (Moschidae)

Moschus chrysogaster (hereafter – musk deer) is an endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding areas in China. Due to historical overutilisation and habitat degradation and loss, the musk deer is endangered and faces serious threats to its survival. Besides in situ conservation, musk deer farming is an important and effective means for ex situ conservation and sustainable supply of musk resources. Wild musk deer are solitary and highly territorial, but in captivity they are subjected to intensive farming practices that confine them to a limited space, leading to the development of a hierarchy structure. This study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2023 at the Musk Deer Farm in Zhuanglang County, Gansu Province, China. Focal sampling and all-occurrence recording were used to measure conflict behaviour of captive musk deer. Social network analysis was used to study the relationships between social conflict and social learning within the captive community. Our finding revealed a significant positive correlation between the hierarchy rank of the conflict initiator and the receiver, and individuals tended to initiate conflict against individuals close to their ranks, which reflected the individual identification of the hierarchy within the community. The social learning behaviour of musk deer in various ranks was significantly different. The social learning behaviour of middle rank (40.7%) was significantly higher than that of high rank (14.5%) and low rank (14.0%). Compared with the social learning behaviour of musk deer before conflict (37.9%), the social learning behaviour of musk deer after conflict (62.1%) was significantly increased, but there was no significant difference in non-social learning behaviour before conflict (46.7%) and after conflict (53.3%). This research reveals the majority of conflicts unfolding among the higher ranks of the captive population. To improve musk deer farming, it is imperative to assess the conflict potential and sociality of individuals within the broader hierarchy. In addition, we found a significant surge in socially learning behaviours among musk deer post-conflict, indicative of the essential spread of information on individual rank and fighting capabilities within the captive population. Recognising the pronounced social learning in captive individuals with middle ranks, managers should focus on these key members. The alleviating conflict level by rationally translocating individuals while maintaining a hierarchical structure within the group is critical to the successful musk deer conservation and farming.