Forage Species and Nutrition Among Reintroduced Banteng (Bos javanicus d'Alton, 1823) in Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Kiew–Khao Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand

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.