Autumn food habits investigation the quality of the dominant fodder consumed of Wild Sheep (Ovis vignei arkal, Blyth,1841) in the Northeast of Iran (case study: Tandooreh, Golestan and Salook National Parks)

Abstract

Introduction: Wild Sheep (Ovis vignei. arkal, Blyth,1841) is one of the most important protected species in the stepped habitats and hill country In the Northeast of Iran, including Tandooreh, Golestan and Salook National Parks. According to the conservation value of (Ovis vignei. Arkal) it is crucial to Investigating its habitat, there for Determining food habits and protein quality of consumed fodder was investigated in mentioned 3 National Parks. Materials & Methods: In order to determine the diet of the species, the field method and direct observation of grazing herds in the early morning (6 to 8 AM) in the habitats of each national park was used separately. Identifying the dominant plant types and recording the presence of Wild Sheep in the habitats of 3 National Parks was done by using field visits and a vegetation type map of the distribution points of the species was prepared by using ArcView software. In order to determine the protein of the mentioned plant species, during field visits to different parts of the identified habitats, randomly by using a 1x1 meter square plot, 10 samples were taken from each plant and transferred to the laboratory as soon as possible, and the percentage of their protein were calculated by measuring the amount of nitrogen by using the Kjeldahl Method. Comparison of protein of different species was done by one-way analysis of variance statistical test. Results: They were recognized as dominant consumed plants in Tandooreh: (Artemisia kopetdaghensis Krasch ), Artemisia aucheri Boiss ), Festuca ovina L.), (Dactylis glomerata L. ), (Salsola gossypium L.), in Golestan: (Artemisia sieberi Besser), ( Artemisia aucheri Boiss), (Gymnocarpos decandrus Forssk), Medicago sativa L. ) and ( Salsolai gossypium L. )and in Salook: (Artemisia sieberi Besser), (Artemisia aucheri Boiss ), ( Festuca ovina L. ), (Agropyron trichophorum)and ( Salsolai gossypium L. ). The measurements showed that (Artemisia kopetdaghensis) in Tandooreh, (Artemisia sieberi Besser) in Golestan and (Artemisia aucheri Boiss) in Salook had the highest amount of protein in the autumn season. Discussion: The selected plants of all 3 regions had good relative quality in terms of protein content. In all 3 national parks, the Artemisia species had the highest amount of protein and also a large share of the food habits of the Wild Sheep. According to the obtained results, all 3 national parks have relatively good conditions in supporting herbivores.