Diet of Mongolian gazelles and Tibetan antelopes from steppe habitats using premaxillary shape, tooth mesowear and microwear analyses

The diets of Procapra gutturosa (Mongolian gazelle) and Pantholops hodgsoni (Tibetan antelope) are investigated through premaxillary shape, mesowear, and microwear analyses. The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that the two species have similarities in dietary habits and also similarities with arctic or subarctic ungulates such as muskox (Ovibos moschatus) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). Results indicate similarities between Procapra gutturosa and Pantholops hodgsoni, and also some variability in dietary habits related to seasonal and/or regional changes in their habitats. Dental wear patterns for the two species are similar to another ungulate from the arctic steppe environments, the caribou (Rangifer tarandus). This supports the hypothesis that such similarities are reflected in dietary habits because the plant items consumed by those species have similar properties in terms of abrasiveness which are reflected in the tooth wear patterns observed through mesowear and microwear analyses. These results reveal a consistent dietary habit for certain ungulates from this type of arid or dry habitat and climate.