Grazing-Carrying Capacity and Quality of the Preferred Plants for the Persian Fallow Deer (Dama mesopotamica) in Miankotal Captive Breeding Site

The population growth pattern of the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) in some captive breeding sites exhibits an initial increase followed by a decline, one probable reason for which is population growth beyond the carrying capacity. Therefore, assessing the grazing-carrying capacity and understanding the nutritional quality of preferred plants are essential for achieving the objectives of these sites. This study aimed to determine the grazing-carrying capacity and quality of the preferred plants for the Persian fallow deer in Miankotal captive breeding site. Forage production in the vegetation types was estimated using the clipping and weighing method in 1×1 m plot along 25 randomly-systematic transects during winter 2021 and spring 2022. Additionally, preferred plant species were identified through direct observation and examination of feeding traces, and then eleven nutritional quality factors were measured. The results showed that 72 plant species belonging to 9 vegetation types were present in the study area, and the grazing-carrying capacity was estimated at 44 individuals. The preference analysis indicated that Carthamus sp., Phlomis sp., Avena sativa, Cousinia sp., Pistacia khinjuk, the acorns of Quercus brantii, and Rumex cyprius were more preferred. Among these, Phlomis sp., Pistacia khinjuk, and Quercus brantii exhibited the highest protein content. The findings play a crucial role in preventing overgrazing, maintaining a balance between population and resources, planning for translocating individuals to other sites, and thereby ensuring long-term ecosystem health and species survival.