First Investigation of the Spring Dietary Composition of Siberian Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Simple Summary: Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiefrus) is a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red list, facing threats from illegal poaching and habitat loss. Understanding its dietary habits and ecological needs is essential for supporting conservation efforts. This study is the first to use Next-Generation Sequencing to analyze the diet of M. moschiferus. Our results revealed that the species primarily fed on woody plants in April, with Morus and Quercus being the most consumed genera. Almost half of the identified genera had not previously been reported as part of the M. moschiferus diet using conventional methods, highlighting the need for DNA metabarcoding to more accurately compare the dietary composition of M. moschiferus across different regions. This research provides valuable insights into the types of plants M. moschiferus may consume during the spring season. Understanding the dietary composition of the Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) is critical for informing conservation efforts, particularly given the species' vulnerable status in the Republic of Korea and its limited ecological data. Previous dietary studies have relied on conventional methods with limitations in taxonomic precision, hindering comprehensive insights into their feeding ecology. To address this gap, we used Next-Generation Sequencing to analyze 16 fecal samples collected in April from Gangwon Province, the habitat of M. moschiferus. Our results revealed 213 unique plant species, with Morus, Quercus, and Prunus accounting for the majority of the diet. Notably, nearly half of the identified genera, including Morus, Actinidia, and Viscum, were reported for the first time as dietary plants of M. moschiferus. This study confirms that M. moschiferus is a concentrate feeder that primarily relies on woody plants (98.8%) and may exhibit tree-climbing behavior to access parasitic shrubs like Viscum. These findings provide a foundation for future dietary analysis research and serve as valuable baseline data for the long-term conservation of M. moschiferus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]