Diversity and forage selection of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus Mearns) in Coahuila, Mexico Forage selection of white-tailed deer in Coahuila

Abstract

Objective: to identify the diversity and selection of their diet at UMA Rancho San Juan, Monclova, Coahuila, from October 2018 to August 2019.

Design/methodology/approach: the composition of the white-tailed deer diet was identified with the microhistological technique. With the Canfield lines method, the availability of forage per season was calculated. The diversity of diet and forage, with the Shannon index and its relationship based on simple linear regression. The selection of the diet with the X2 test and the Ivlev index.

Keywords: Canfield, availability, Ivlev, desert scrub, microhistological technique.

Results: 49 species and 20 families were identified in the diet. Which is made up of 49.84% shrubs, 18.38% succulents, 16.02 % herbaceous and 15.72 % grasses. The deer selected Opuntia engelmannii, consumed Acacia rigidula and Cenchrus ciliaris proportionally to their availability, and consumed Acacia berlandieri, Jatropha dioica and Karwinskia humboldtiana below their availability.

Limitations/implications: It is recommended to continue this line of research including aspects of nutritional quality of forage and variations in the diet between years of demonstration. It is recommended to favor the presence of herbaceous plants through habitat improvement techniques.

Conclusions: the diversity of the diet was not related to that of the forage. When forage diversity is needed, increase grass intake.