Abstract
Abstract. In this paper, the reasons for geophagy (the eating of rocks by wild herbivores) in two regions of the eastern Sikhote-Alin volcanic belt are considered. The mineralogical and chemical features of the consumed rocks, as well as the geological conditions of their formation, are investigated. A comparative analysis of the mineral and chemical composition of the consumed rocks and the excrement of the animals, almost completely consisting of mineral substances, is carried out. It is established that the consumed rocks are hydrothermally altered rhyolitic tuffs located in the volcanic calderas and early Cenozoic volcano-tectonic depressions. They consist of 30–65 % from zeolites (mainly clinoptilolites) and smectites, possessing powerful sorption properties. According to the obtained data, the main reason for geophagy may be connected with the animals' urge to discard excessive and toxic concentrations of certain elements that are widespread in specific habitats and ingested with forage plants.
Highlights
IntroductionA new term, “kudur”, borrowed from the lexicon of Asian nomad tribes, is analogous to the archaic Russian term “animal salt lick” and defines a natural landscape complex featuring the outcrops of mineral soils, which are systematically consumed by animals and, in some cases, by humans (Panichev, 2011; Panichev et al, 2013; Young, 2011)
It is established that the consumed rocks are hydrothermally altered rhyolitic tuffs located in the volcanic calderas and early Cenozoic volcano-tectonic depressions
According to the obtained data, the main reason for geophagy may be connected with the animals’ urge to discard excessive and toxic concentrations of certain elements that are widespread in specific habitats and ingested with forage plants
Summary
A new term, “kudur”, borrowed from the lexicon of Asian nomad tribes, is analogous to the archaic Russian term “animal salt lick” and defines a natural landscape complex featuring the outcrops of mineral soils, which are systematically consumed by animals and, in some cases, by humans (Panichev, 2011; Panichev et al, 2013; Young, 2011). The term “kudurites” emerged from “kudur”, and it specifies all of the varieties of natural mineral soils consumed by animals in kudurs. The majority of kudurs can be divided into two types – hydromorphic and lithomorphic (Panichev, 1990). Hydromorphic kudurs are formed by running mineral water springs; clay rocks saturated with chemical elements become kudurites in a water discharge area. A lithomorphic kudur is an exposure of specific rocks that are actively searched for and consumed by animals. The reason why animals eat kudurites is not obvious in the majority of cases: this problem is still challenging and demands a comprehensive scientific explanation
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