Food habits of barking deer ( Muntiacus muntjac ) in the middle hills of Nepal

摘要: The food habits of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) were studied in 2005, analysing fresh pellets collected spring (N=247) and rainy season (N=151). Fresh pellet groups sampled along line transects analysed using microhistological techniques. Results expressed terms percentage occurrence (O%) per cent volume (V%). Muntjac diet included 22 plant species, most them belonging to browse. In spring, grasses (O%=55.36%; V%=37.5) dominated muntjac diet, whilst browse plants prevailed (O%=48.44%; V%=51.69). Lichens consumed only season. Significant seasonal differences recorded frequency consumption different items, but not volume. Imperata cylindrica, Smilax aspera, Moghania strobilifera Arundinaria falcata major items both seasons. Fruits Prunus cerasoides, Berberis asiatica Rubus ellipticus bark Pinus roxburghii Castanopsis indica also taken significant amounts. No animal remains diet. Our results suggest that muntjacs are mixed feeders.