Acoustic divergence in the rut vocalizations of P ersian and E uropean fallow deer

• Published in: Journal of zoology (1987) 2014-01, Vol.292 (1), p.1-9
• Main Authors: Stachowicz, J. B., Vannoni, E., Pitcher, B. J., Briefer, E. F., Geffen, E., McElligott, A. G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0952-8369; 1469-7998
• DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12083

We conducted a study of the male rut vocalizations (groans) of two closely related species, P ersian and E uropean fallow deer. P ersian fallow deer are endangered, restricted to I ran and I srael, and their rut vocalizations have never been studied. By contrast, E uropean fallow deer are one of the most common deer species in the world, and have been the subject of numerous detailed studies. P ersian bucks are approximately 16% larger than E uropean bucks, and this can have important implications for vocalizations. P ersian bucks were recorded in I srael, and E uropean bucks were recorded in the UK and I reland. We measured temporal, fundamental frequency‐related and formant‐related parameters of groans and determined which acoustic parameters differed among species and populations. The comparisons revealed important structural similarities and differences, with the differences more strongly related to temporal than spectral vocal parameters. P ersian buck groans were relatively long, pulsed calls of almost 1‐s duration, with low fundamental frequencies, and relatively weak formant modulation. E uropean buck groans were much shorter (0.38 s), but with similarly low fundamental frequencies and clearer formant modulation. We found some minor differences in the formant frequencies ( F 4 and F 5) of calls of the two E uropean fallow populations. Given the length of time since P ersian and E uropean fallow deer diverged, and that both their mitochondrial and nuclear genomes are very different, it is notable that the structure of their groans is still so similar. Our findings suggest that the factors influencing the evolution of these vocalizations (e.g. sensory system characteristics, environment and mate choice) have probably been similar for both species.