Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores

Subtropical grasslands interspersed in forests often present mosaics of tall and grazing lawns with a high variation structure, biomass nutrient concentration. However, the impact such on forage quality is still poorly known. We quantified physical chemical properties grasses grasslands, forested region Bardia National Park, Nepal during hot-dry season. This area falls within Cwa-climate (Köppen-Geigen climate classification). found that had an average bulk density ~5400 g.m-3 whereas ~1000 only. Forage was comprised higher percentage green leaf (up to 60%) compared grassland 40%). Phosphorus levels leaves were below maintenance requirements wild herbivores (especially for grazers mixed feeders) both grasslands. crude protein from could meet requirement (~7%). Only sufficient enough (9.7%) gestation, though not lactation. conclude that, season, provide quantity than Consequently, can make significant contribution or even growth dependent ungulate population, as chital (Axis axis), primary prey species endangered tiger (Panthera tigris) Park. The insight this study will basis restoring forage, aid conservation management feeders.