Selection of forage plant by Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus muntjak Zimmermann) in Bali Barat national park

Was conducted study on the selection of forage plants by muntjac deer (Muntiacus muntjak) in Bali Barat National Park (BBNP) in January-September 2014. The study was conducted in four habitat units, namely Cekik unit, Prapat Ahung unit, Segara Rupek and Brumbun Unit. Determination of the habitat used was based on signs of feeding activity, and the presence of traces of feces. Botanical composition / type of forage in the habitat is determined by the quadrat method. The composition of plants eaten by muntjak deer was determined by the utilization techniques. Botanical composition in habitat and muntjak deer diet were analyzed descriptively. Selection of food plants is calculated using ivlev's electivity index. The results showed that deer use a type of savanna and monsoon forest for feeding activity. The botanical composition of the forage dominated by herbaceous dicots (forbs), next is the woody plants (woodys) and grasses (graminoids). Muntjac deer classified as browser type or concentrate selectors. Found 33 plant species were selected by deer during the rainy season and 25 species of plants in the dry season dominated by plant species broadleaf / browses (dicotyledonous herbaceous, shrubs and trees). There are 17 species of plants eaten throughout the season. Species of forbs plants showed a high selection index (preference) in two seasons. Some of them are Commelina benghalensis, Boerhavia diffusa, Desmodium triflorum and Synedrella nodiflora.