Tree leaf choice by formosan Reeve's Muntjac in relation to nutrient content
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Forest Science
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
3
Pages
237-249
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
Formosan Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus) is widely distributed in Taiwan, but its food selection mechanisms in the wild are still unclear. In this study, the herbivory preferences of Formosan Reeve's muntjac to 35 native tree species' leaves were tested at the Fushan Experimental Forest, northeastern Taiwan. In addition, leaf nutrient contents were analyzed to examine their associations with muntjac herbivory preferences. Wild muntjacs at Fushan preferred the leaves with high non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) content and avoided of the ones with high neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, and particularly those with high lignin content. However, tree leaves of Symplocos theophrastifolia and Blastus cochinchinensis, which contained high NFC and low lignin contents, were also avoided by muntjacs. We also found that tree leaves of 5 Fagaceae species and 6 of 8 Lauraceae species were avoided by muntjacs, suggesting that muntjacs might dislike tree leaves with coriaceous texture (e.g., Fagaceae) or with strong volatile essences (e.g., Lauraceae). Therefore, in addition to leaf nutrient contents, leaf physical traits as well as chemical composition like minerals, odorant substances, and phytotoxins, may also affect the herbivory preference of muntjacs.
Subjects
Catchments; Lignin; Nutrients; Chemical compositions; Fushan experimental forest; Herbivory; Muntjac; Native tree species; Neutral detergent fiber; Taiwan; Tree leaf; Forestry; Carbohydrates; Leaves; Lignins; Nutrients
Type
journal article