POTENTIAL FORAGE PLANTS FOR THE MUSKOX (Ovibos moschantus Zimm.) ON ZAVYALOV ISLAND (MAGADAN PROVINCE, RUSSIA)

Following the targeted expansion of the area of distribution for the muskox (Ovibos moschantus Zimm.) in Russia, expert assessment of animal feed resources was carried out on Zavyalov Island, located in the Sea of Okhotsk. The island’s area is 116.7 sq. km, with 45.5% (53.1 sq. km.) unsuitable for grazing by muskoxen. The rest of the island is potentially pasture-friendly. A synopsis of the vegetation on Zavyalov Island (Zavyalov Island, 2012) had previously been made by the researchers from the Institute for Biological Problems of the North (IBPN FEB RAS), which was adopted by us as a basis for the reconnaissance survey of the area. Guided by the published data and our own observations on the grazing habits of ungulates, we compiled a list of vascular plant species from the basic potential forage ration of the muskox and a list of possible substitutive forage species on Zavyalov Island. Out of the Island’s total vegetation, 154 species can be regarded as edible or potentially suitable forage plants for the muskox, including 45 species known from published sources as already present in this animal’s feeding ration. Of these, only 26 species are abundant and frequent enough to be considered as having significant feeding potential for the muskox, while the rest are rare or produce too little biomass. Having been placed in the new environment, muskoxen are expected to safely switch to substitute forage plants, represented here by 109 species. In total, 44 species can be recognized as the most promising, considering their abundance and frequency of occurrence. Such set of vascular plants is likely to be sufficient for the adaptation of a limited number of muskoxen in the area. According to prior estimates based on the area of suitable pastures, Zavyalov Island will be able to provide up to 25 individual animals with enough forage. It is recommended to supply additional feed, such as hay and branches, during the initial phase of their adaptation, and later launch scientific monitoring over the animals as they get used to the forage potential of Zavyalov Island.

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