Seasonal dietary shifts and selection of Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838 in Peneda-Gerês National Park (Portugal)

Abstract

This study intended to know Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838 feeding strategy in two proximate mountains it recently recolonized, Gerês and Amarela (Peneda-Gerês National Park, PGNP, Portugal). For that purpose we studied species dietary composition using faecal diet microhistological determinations and also its diet selection. Albeit wild goat exhibited an intermediate browse - graze behaviour in the two areas, grazing was more pronounced in Gerês while browsing in Amarela. Both areas presented a dietary shift in spring consisting in an increase on the consumption and preference for graminoids. This feeding strategy extended through summer only in Amarela. Results obtained are congruent with wild goat generalist feeding behaviour in other regions of the Iberian Peninsula and suggest that species feeding strategy in PGNP respond to spatial patterns of resources, specifically of graminoids, and to livestock stocking rates and management.