BODY MASS OF PROCARPA GUTTUROSA (BOVIDAE) CALVES: INFLUENCE OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND OCCURRENCE OF PATHOGENS IN THE GROUP OF THE DAURSKY STATE NATURE RESERVE (RUSSIA)

Procapra gutturosa (hereinafter - Mongolian gazelle) is one of the last large migratory mammal species in Asia, which population has declined considerably over the past century due to various anthropogenic factors. In Russia, the Mongolian gazelle inhabits the north of its natural range, which supposes suboptimal conditions for this species, and it is listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. The physiological status of its calves was studied in the Daursky State Nature Reserve in 2015-2021 by assessing their body mass and the presence of antibodies to several pathogens. It was found that the body mass of Mongolian gazelle calves averaged from 2.85 kg to 6.14 kg and varied depending on such factors as sex, age and year of data collection. It was also related to climatic conditions, especially during the last third of pregnancy. In addition, Mongolian gazelle individuals were identified, which are seropositive to foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants, but not to pasteurellosis and brucellosis. The number of positive reactions to the pathogens varied from year to year. So. the highest number of seropositive individuals was detected in 2018, representing 63.3%. Being still connected with the main range, the Mongolian gazelle group in Russia (surroundings of the Daursky State Nature Reserve) is gradually increasing. The study of animals' physiological condition makes it possible to predict changes in the status of this ungulate group.

Automated summary

Mongolian gazelle, one of the last large migratory mammal species in Asia, has experienced a considerable decline in population over the past century due to anthropogenic factors. In Russia, the Mongolian gazelle inhabits the northern part of its natural range, facing suboptimal conditions and being listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. A study conducted in the Daursky State Nature Reserve from 2015 to 2021 examined the physiological status of Mongolian gazelle calves by evaluating their body mass and the presence of antibodies to various pathogens. The results showed that the calves' body mass varied depending on factors such as sex, age, year of data collection, and climatic conditions during the late stage of pregnancy. Seropositive individuals were identified for foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants, indicating exposure to these pathogens. The number of seropositive individuals varied from year to year, with the highest percentage observed in 2018. The Mongolian gazelle population in Russia, still connected to its main range, is gradually increasing. Study of the animals' physiological condition allows for predictions of changes in the status of this ungulate group.