Abstract

VILLARREAL-ESPINO-BARROS, OA et al. Botanical composition of the red brocket (Mazama temama) diet, in the northeastern mountains of the state of Puebla. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.3, pp.183-188. ISSN 0186-2979.

The botanical composition of the red brocket deer (Mazama temama) diet was studied in the northeastern mountains of the state of Puebla, from May 2002 to October 2004. Direct observations were carried out with binoculars of the vegetation consumed by the animals along eight 400 m long transects. In addition, 83 fecal samples were collected and subjected to microhistological analyses to identify the species that were actually consumed. The direct observation of the foraging activity indicated that the diet consisted of 48 species belonging to 35 families of which 15 were herbaceous, 25 were shrubs, six were grasses and acorns from two species of oaks. The microhistological analyses of the faeces revealed the presence of 12 species of which 57.7% were herbaceous, 38.1% were shrubs, 2.8% were grasses and 0.49 % were oak acorns.

Keywords : red brocket deer; Mazama temama; diet; Mexico.

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