Forage Species and Nutrition Among Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton, 1823) in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Kiew–Khao Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20457758
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105034902196
Journal Title
Ecology and Evolution
Volume
16
Issue
4
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Ecology and Evolution Vol.16 No.4 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Thepapichaikul W., Chaiyarat R., Boonyarittichaikij R., Tanhan P., Nakbun S. Forage Species and Nutrition Among Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton, 1823) in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Kiew–Khao Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Ecology and Evolution Vol.16 No.4 (2026). doi:10.1002/ece3.73401 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116141
Title
Forage Species and Nutrition Among Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton, 1823) in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Kiew–Khao Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Dietary management is an important factor affecting the health and survival of critically endangered wildlife—such as banteng recently reintroduced into Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) and Khao Kiew–Khao Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary (KKKC). This study investigates the diversity and nutritional composition of forage consumed by different reintroduced banteng practices in these two protected areas. The research was conducted between November 2023 and October 2024 using fecal analysis and mineral composition assessments. A total of 59 forage species (51 consumed in the wet season, 35 in the dry season) were identified in banteng feces in SWS. These 59 species consisted of 29 monocotyledons (49.15%) and 30 dicotyledons (50.85%). The most preferred species found in banteng diets in the dry and wet seasons were Cyrtococcum sp. and Dendrolobium triangulare (Retz.) Schindl., respectively. A total of 36 species (28 in the wet season, 22 in the dry season) were found in banteng feces in KKKC. These 36 forage species consisted of 27 monocotyledons (75%) and 9 dicotyledons (25%). The most preferred diets in the dry and wet season were Panicum maximum Jacq. and Imperata cylindrica (L.), respectively. The SWS showed a significant seasonal difference (p = 0.015) which was also higher than in KKKC in both seasons. The highest-preferred forages in each season were then collected to measure their mineral content. The food plants from both areas contained adequate N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn—all of which contributed to banteng nutritional requirements. The results also indicated that reintroduced banteng exhibit dietary flexibility and adaptability to different natural habitats.