Forage Preferences and Nutritional Ecology of Timor Deer: Implications for Conservation Management
Keywords:
Conservation Management, Forage Preference, Nutritional Ecology, Cervus timorensis, Silage Technology, Wildlife Feeding StrategyAbstract
The Timor deer (Cervus timorensis) represents one of Indonesia’s key wildlife species, valued for its ecological roles, cultural heritage, and economic potential. This review compiles evidence from 50 scientific studies that examine its biology and ecology, with particular attention to forage resources as a determinant of health, reproduction, and population dynamics. The species shows selective feeding patterns, generally favoring protein-rich, low-fiber plants, and demonstrates a preference for cultivated forages such as Pennisetum purpureum compared to wild vegetation. Nutritional quality is shaped by forage diversity, seasonal fluctuations, and environmental conditions including rainfall, temperature, and altitude. Adequate feed supply enhances body condition, antler development, and reproductive success, whereas nutritional deficits compromise immunity and survival. Conservation-oriented interventions highlight the value of locally available forage, context-specific supplemental feeding, and feed preservation methods like silage production to reduce seasonal shortages. Addressing the combined challenges of selective browsing, habitat variability, and dietary specialization is critical. Integrated management strategies not only improve resilience against ecological pressures but also contribute to sustaining viable populations in the long term. Overall, strengthening forage-based management emerges as a central pathway for securing the conservation future of Cervus timorensis.
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