Diet of Siberian Musk Deer in Spring
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Nari, Kim Areum, Lee Je-Min, Kim Ah-Young, Lee Yujin, Jo Yeonghoon, Kim Kiyoon, Do Kyung-Hyo, Seo Kwang-Won, Yoon Kwang-Bae, Jeong Dong-Hyuk
Primary Institution: College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University
Hypothesis
What do Siberian musk deer primarily eat in the spring?
Conclusion
Siberian musk deer primarily consume woody plants, particularly Morus and Quercus, during the spring season.
Supporting Evidence
- Siberian musk deer primarily fed on woody plants in April.
- Nearly half of the identified genera had not been reported as part of the diet before.
- The study provides baseline data for the conservation of M. moschiferus.
Takeaway
Siberian musk deer eat mostly trees and shrubs in spring, and they might even climb trees to reach some of their food.
Methodology
Next-Generation Sequencing was used to analyze 16 fecal samples collected in April from Gangwon Province.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and short sampling duration, which may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
Fecal samples were collected from Siberian musk deer in Gangwon Province, Korea.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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