Feeding ecology of Konik horses and donkeys in Belgian coastal dunes and its implications for nature management

Foraging behaviour and diet selection of Koniks and donkeys were studied in order to estimate their possible impact on vegetation development and hence their appropriateness as nature management tools.Koniks show a larger intake rate and quantity than do donkeys. Koniks do not show significant seasonal differences in biomass intake, whereas donkeys consume significantly more in winter.Both animal species feed mainly on graminoids. The Konik diet is composed of 86 % of graminoids with an additional12 % of herbs. The donkey diet consists of 69 % of graminoids, which are mainly supplemented with... Mehr ...