Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the ecological characteristics of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) feces using non-invasive methods, and to assess their adaptation to high-altitude environments, with 55 forest musk deer reared in a high-altitude region of Bianba, Tibet and 34 forest musk deer from a low-altitude region in Weinan, Shaanxi. Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, we quantified the concentrations of cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), testosterone, progesterone, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in feces. Data were analyzed by independent-samples t tests and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results showed that forest musk deer at high altitude had significantly higher fecal cortisol and T3 levels compared to those at low altitude (P<0.01), while testosterone levels were significantly lower (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in fecal progesterone and sIgA levels (P>0.05). Cluster analysis revealed distinct differences in the distribution proportion of individuals with high, medium, and low physiological index values between the two altitudes. Successful captive breeding of forest musk deer in high-altitude regions requires the selection of individuals with low stress responses, high metabolic activity, and strong intestinal immunity to ensure population health and support the sustainable development of the musk deer industry in plateau environments.

Key words: forest musk deer, non-invasive sampling, cortisol, triiodothyronine, secretory immunoglobulin A