Seasonal and altitudinal variation in roe deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) diet on Jeju Island, South Korea

In order to understand the feeding ecology and dietary differences of roe deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) in different seasons and altitudes, this study was carried out at three altitudinal sites (Songdang 250-270 m above sea level (ASL), Aradong 330-370 m ASL, Mt. Hallasan 1100 m ASL) on Jeju Island, South Korea. Altogether, 205 plants taxa of six categories of foods (forbs-climbers, graminoids, trees, shrubs, conifers, and ferns) were identified using morphological and molecular analyses. The highest number of dietary plants was found in summer (93 taxa) and at Aradong (124 taxa) and lowest at Songdang (71 taxa) and in winter (51 taxa). Food categories were significantly different among the seasons (F = 15.646, p < 0.05) and altitudinal sites (F = 3.941, p < 0.05). This study revealed that dietary selectivity of roe deer shifted with seasonal and altitudinal variations and preferred to the nutritive and low fibers food.