Habitat use, Foraging Ecology and Dietary Composition of the Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) in and around Dachigam National Park, Kashmir Himalaya

Mountain ungulates play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure and the ecological functioning in Himalayan landscapes. Habitat selection and feeding ecology are fundamental components affecting the distribution, survival, and conservation of wild ungulates. The present study was conducted in and around Dachigam National Park and the Brein-Nishat Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir, India, during 2023–2024. Systematic transects were established across four major habitat types (mixed conifer, mixed woodland, riverine, and rocky slope) and surveyed. Habitat use was assessed through direct sightings and indirect evidence, while habitat characteristics were assessed by vegetation sampling and ground-cover analysis. The diet composition was assessed by micro-histological analysis of 74 fecal samples collected across four seasons. Floristic survey revealed 21 tree species, 12 shrub species and 27 herb species, indicating significant plant diversity in the study area. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices for trees, shrubs and herbs were 2.64, 2.48 and 2.77 respectively. The Himalayan Serow showed a strong preference for rocky slope habitats with the highest number of individuals recorded (n = 14), followed by mixed woodland, riverine and mixed conifer habitats. The ground vegetation cover varied seasonally, with the highest value in riverine habitats during summer (67.25%). Dietary analysis showed that seasonal variation in food preferences. The most consumed species Cynodon dactylon (46.86%) and Rumex nepalensis (33.33%). Morus alba (88.88%) and Berberis lyceum (77.77%) were the major food items in summer whereas Rubus fruticosus (44.82%) and Rumex nepalensis (37.93%) were preferred in autumn. Winter diet showed higher intake of Aesculus indica (42.85%) and Populus alba (33.33%). The findings demonstrate the ecological flexibility of the Himalayan Serow and highlight the need for conserving different vegetation communities and rugged habitats for supporting viable populations of this species in the Kashmir Himalaya. Given the ecological importance of mountain ungulates as indicators of ecosystem health, the findings provide valuable baseline information for developing effective management and conservation strategies for the species in the Kashmir Himalaya.