Resumen

GONZALEZ-SALDIVAR, Fernando Noel et al. Foraging habits of desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus Rafinesque) in Coahuila, Mexico. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2025, vol.12, n.spe5, e4567.  Epub 20-Feb-2026. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12nv.4567.

Understanding the dietary composition of the mule deer is essential for habitat management. This study aimed to identify the composition and selection of the mule deer diet in the UMA Rancho San Juan, located in the municipality of Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico. During 2019-2020, seasonal forage availability and diet composition were evaluated. To estimate forage availability, 18 randomly placed 25 m transects were established in each season. Diet composition was determined through microhistological analysis of fecal samples. Diversity indices, non-parametric tests, and forage selectivity indices were used to analyze forage use. Shrub species were the most abundant throughout the year, peaking in spring (59.54%). The mule deer diet included 54 species, of which eight accounted for 50% of the total composition. Throughout the year, shrubs were the predominant food group (38 spp.), while herbaceous plants were less frequent (5 spp.). Diet selection varied according to species, growth form, and season. Fourteen preferred species were identified, with Acacia rigidula being selected in all seasons. These findings provide key information for delineating priority foraging areas and conserving the mule deer habitat in northeastern Mexico.

Palabras llave : Acacia rigidula; shrubs; competition; desert scrub; selection.

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