Study On The Diet Composition Of Musk Deer In Feng County, Shanxi Province

From 2006.3 to 2007.9, fresh droppings of musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) were collected in the Feng County, Shanxi Province. On the basis of classic micro histological analysis, epidermis fragments in feces were compared with local plant epidermis samples assisted by modern soft wares. Through the statistical results of the frequency of each species, musk deer's diet composition can be identified.During the year, there are 88 species belonging to 38 families found in the fecal composition. Although the main food in each season is different, musk deer likes to concentrate on Aceraceae, Rosaceae and Saxifragaceae. Fagacea, Labiatae, Moraceae and Tiliaceae are also chosen in a certain season. Evidence based on the relative density of each species shows that diet composition varied seasonally, with highest proportions of woody plant leaves and lowest of ferns. In the summer, forbs reach the peak of 37.31% then decline to the minimum 13.98% in winter; conversely, woody plants have its maximum of 78.51% and minimum of 57.08% in summer. Mosses and ferns do not take a considerable part of diet composition, while the former increases from spring to winter but the later decreases. In spite of a concentrate feeder itself, musk deer chooses grasses sometimes, and the relative density of grasses increase from 3.53% in spring to 9.06% in winter. On the other hand, it is proved that no necessary connection between local dominant plants and main food of musk deer.Fragmentation of habitats is a serious problem faced by musk deer population. Food habits factors are suggested to be considered when a restoration and recovery program is made. Regeneration of local plants selected by musk deer is a reasonable choice. Proportion of botanic protein and cellulose should be enhanced in feedstuff of bred musk deer, which may improve the problem of low muskiness quality.