UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The flehmen and sniffing responses are associated with olfactory investigation in many ungulates, but their behavioural contexts remain poorly documented in the Banbakri antelope or Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus). This observational study aimed to describe these responses and consider their possible relevance to chemical communication and reproductive assessment. Observations were conducted from August 2025 to July 2026 at the Haryana Agricultural Farm, VKS College of Agriculture, Dumraon, Bihar, India. Three rescued and hand-reared Banbakri, comprising one male and two females, were monitored in a semi-natural captive enclosure. Behaviour was recorded using focal animal and ad libitum sampling, supplemented by opportunistic photographic documentation. Observed sniffing included investigation of freshly deposited dung, urine-contaminated substrates and the anogenital regions of conspecifics. Flehmen-related behaviour involved head elevation, upper-lip movements and brief immobility following scent investigation. Flehmen was observed in the single male, including when females displayed behavioural signs suggestive of oestrus; these signs were not independently verified. Females also investigated scent marks and conspecifics. Some events occurred during December–February, but the opportunistic records did not support comparisons of behavioural frequency between seasons. The observations suggest that olfactory investigation may contribute to reproductive and social assessment in captive Banbakri. However, neither pheromonal compounds nor the physiological mechanisms underlying these responses were measured. Further research combining standardised behavioural observations with chemical and hormonal analyses is needed to evaluate these interpretations.