Seasonal Food Preference of Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) In Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Abstract

This study is based on two years field study by direct observation and questionnaire method in Bijrani and Jhirna zones of Corbett National Park. Cheetal (Axis axis) and Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) are found with their sympatric species Barking deer in Corbett Park. The population of Cheetal and Sambar in different vegetative areas of Corbett varies according to the availability of their favourite food (seasonal). This study reveals that Cheetal preferred new sprouting of Cynadon dactylon, green Desmostachya bipinnata, Eulaliopsis binata, Setaria species, Heteropogon species, Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum bengalensis, and Saccharum narenga in grassland. In dense shrub area, Cheetal preferred green tender leaves of Murraya koenegi, Glycosmis arbores, and fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana, Emblica officinalis, and Solanum nigrum. In Sal-mixed forest Cheetal preferred green fallen leaves of Shorea robusta, Adena cordifolia, Mallotus philippensis and leaves & fruits of Syzigium cumini, Agle marmels, Ficus racemosa, Diospyras tomentosa, flowers of Bombax ceiba (calyx), Cassia fistula etc. In the water-side area Cheetal preferred Dalbergia sissoo, S. munja, Phragmites roxburghii and Acacia catechu etc. Sambar is mostly found in dense shrub area and preferred leaves of M. koenegi, G. arbores, E. officinalis, Justicia adhatoda, Z. mauritiana. In Sal-mixed forest, Sambar preferred leaves of S. robusta, A. cordifolia, A. marmeles, Dendrocalamus strictus, and flowers of B. ceiba etc. In grassland, Sambar preferred S. munja, I. cylindrica, D. bipinnata, E. binata. In water-side Sambar preferred A. arabica, P. roxburghii, and D. sissoo on a priority basis. Sambar generally preferred course food like rough leaves, bark, seeds, flowers, soft twigs, and large grasses.