[Behavior of the African chevrotain, Hyemoschus aquaticus Ogilby (Artiodactyla, Ruminantia). Its ecological and phylogenetic significance].

The behaviour of the African chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) was examined in 70 animals living in an enclosure. As far as possible every element of behaviour was seen in relationship to the animal's way of life in the field, and compared with the known behaviour of other Artiodactyla. It was attempted to ascertain the evolutionary stage of every behavioural element. Activity corresponds exactly to the dark period from 18.00 to 6.00. The males are by far more active than the females. An activity period during the night seems to be typical for the more primitive species. The sleeping position is reminiscent of the Suidae, the comfort behaviour of the smaller Artiodactyla. There is no mutual grooming. Hyemoschus aquaticus searches for food with its snout as do the Suidae, and can not rise on its hind legs as can most Artiodactyla. The alarm behavior is the same as in other forest-dwelling ruminants, behaviours of mainly visual importance are missing. Feces and urine are deposited anywhere. Both sexes announce their presence with these excrements, which are mixed with an excrete of the anal (male and female) and preputial glands (male). The interramal gland is occasionally used for marking twigs. Hyemoschus aquaticus does not have a single gland of the ruminant type. Fighting between females is seldom, between males more frequent, but of short duration. No demonstrations of rank order or territorial behaviour were observed. The male finds the female olfactorially. Precopulatory behaviour and copulation are similar to that of the Suidae. Early development and mother-infant behavior can be devided into 5 stages, which are described. Play behaviour of the young is very simple, there is no contact with peers. In its whole behaviour Hyemoschus aquaticus is the prototype of the solitary forest-dweller, more pig than ruminant. The Asian genus Tragulus of the same family is already more a ruminant than Hyemoschus aquaticus; the primitive Cervidae, with the genus Muntiacus, indicate the next level.