Feeding Habits of Japanese Serow in a Warm–Temperate, Low-Elevation, Evergreen Broad-Leaved Shrub-Dominated Forest

The distribution of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) has recently expanded to low-elevation areas. However, there is little ecological information available for this species in such areas. This study aimed to elucidate the feeding habits of the Japanese serow in the Ome Hills, central Japan, a low-elevation area characterized by the dominance of evergreen broad-leaved trees in the shrub layer. Through the analysis of 115 fecal samples collected between 2019 and 2020, our findings revealed that Japanese serow consistently foraged on monocot leaves and dicot leaves and stems throughout the year. Furthermore, a detailed examination of feeding signs indicated a preference for graminoids in both coniferous plantations and deciduous broad-leaved forests across all seasons.