Study on the Adaptation of Milu Herd to the Photoperiod at Dafeng Reserve

In 1986,milu (Elaphurus davidianus) herd was taken from five zoos in London,back to Dafeng Reserve within its historical distribution area for semi-free range.Data up to 1992 indicate the giving birth season and the moulting antler season for the herd take place 25 days and 22 days respectively prior to that in London.The seasonal distribution of milu biological rhythm at Dafeng Reserve is surprisingly identical to that at Woburn Abby in London when milu left their native habitat in the 90s of 19th century.This suggests that the milu herd has again adapted to the pho-toperiod of Dafeng Reserve and its biology-seasonal rhythm has been completely adjusted.The change of the giving birth season in the successive yearso-reveals the concrete process of adjustment.This artical compares the meteorological data of Woburn Abby,Nanhaizi Park & Dafeng Reserve,and discusses the adaptation of the species to climate.