Pflanzenselektion durch freilebende Rinder in südbolivianischen Bergwäldern

Summary

The aim of the present research was to study the plant species selected by freeranging
cattle in southern Bolivian subtropical mountain forests. The cattle were followed
from May to November 2005 during 4-5 days/month in two study sites. The number
of bites on the different plant species were recorded every 6 min. during 1 min. of
actual observation. Additionally, plant availability was measured. The selection and
availability data were ranked, giving rank number 1 to the most frequently selected
plant species. Basing on this ranking system, species were categorized into four
categories. Overall, 447 plant species were found in the study sites, whereof 364 were
observed to be selected by the cattle. A low number of species (15, including indetermined
leaf litter) made up the major part of plant selection (about 60%) and were
classified as “main forage plants”, with the grass Ichnanthus pallens being the most
selected plant species. Sixteen species were classified as “preferred”, 20 as “least
preferred” and 121 as “neutral”.