Coprophagy in moose: A first observation. Issue 1 (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spitzer, Robert; Åström, Cecilia; Felton, Annika; Eriksson, Monica; Meisingset, Erling L.; Solberg, Erling J.; Rolandsen, Christer M.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 13:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: Alces alces -- camera collar -- chronic wasting disease -- coprophagy -- foraging -- moose; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9757
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Coprophagy, the eating of feces, has been documented in a wide range of species but appears to be rare or difficult to detect in deer (Cervidae). Here, we report the first observation of coprophagy in moose Alces alces, which was recorded using camera collars on free‐ranging moose in Norway. The footage shows an instance of allocoprophagy by an adult female moose in spring (May). We summarize the current knowledge about coprophagy in deer and briefly discuss potential drivers and possible implications for disease transmission. Further research is needed to determine whether coprophagy occurs frequently in moose and whether this behavior is positive (e.g., increased intake of nutrients) or negative (increased infection by parasites or pathogens). Abstract : We report the first observation of coprophagy in moose, which was recorded using camera collars on free‐ranging moose in Norway, and briefly summarize the state of knowledge of this novel behavior in other deer species. Further research is needed to determine whether coprophagy occurs frequently in moose and whether this behavior is positive (e.g., increased intake of nutrients) or negative (increased infection by parasites or pathogens).