New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1987) 10: 149- 152

©New Zealand Ecological Society

Food of Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) in a Manawatu (New Zealand) Flax Swamp

Research Article
S. D. Kelton 1,2
J. P. Skipworth 1
  1. Department of Botany and Zoology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
  2. Present address: Department of Conservation, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand
Abstract: 

The diet of sambar deer in a Phormium tenax wetland is examined. Proportions of forage species were assessed from cuticle fragments in faeces and the nutrient quality of the food determined chemically. The deer feed selectively although at times the principal forages ingested are of poor nutritional value.

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