Food Preferences, Feed Intake, and Protein Requirements of Red Deer in Central Greece

Abstract

Red deer (Cervus elaphus), although protected by law, have decreased considerably in Greece during the last decades. Habitat destruction and lack of proper management are regarded as the main causes for decrease of the population. This study was conducted during the summer of 1977 in the forest of Xatzipetrion, the most important summer range of the deer in central Greece. The objectives were to determine summer food preferences, and to assess feed intake and protein requirements of the deer.