Food patch selection by the largest European herbivore

• DOI: 10.1007/s42991-024-00426-2
• Publication Date: 2024-06-04T08:03:06Z
• Authors: Rafał Kowalczyk; Tomasz Kamiński; Tomasz Borowik
• Keywords: Animal ecology; Ideal free distribution

Abstract The scaling relationship between digestive system and body mass shapes foraging strategies in herbivores. Jarman–Bell principle the forage maturation hypothesis (FMH), two of most important predictions formulated herbivore ecology, have been used to explain this relationship.We aimed test these for largest European herbivore—the bison-which is highly sexually dimorphic recognised as a refugee species non-optimal forest habitats. We conducted our study Białowieża Primeval Forest, where bison has recognized species. estimated vegetation quality biomass along paths male female bison, at random points different habitats months. found no support Jarmann-Bell intraspecific level males females foraged on patches similar crude protein fibre content. However, selected higher biomass. showed significant spatio-temporal variation. It increased from May July then gradually decreased. also with fertility wetness being highest wet forests. Mean (131.5 g/m 2 ), was significantly lower than plots (210.5 which supported FMH. Our suggests that rich habitats, abundant food resources available summer may not constrain metabolic rate/gut capacity ratio either sex, potentially leading dietary segregation. In contrast open less temporally variable, optimise patch selection energy intake by tracking habitat- species-specific changes plant phenology. Understanding nutritional constraints be critical conservation programmes, are better adapted more suboptimal