Food Preferences of Bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in and around Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India

Abstract

Food preferences of Bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were examined through the method of direct field observation between September 2022 to August 2023 in some areas of the Northern part of the Ganga plain, to explore food preference, composition of diets, and seasonal variation among food choices. Study results conclude that Bluebull consume diverse species of plants, 112 plant species (34 trees, 29 herbs, 26 grasses, 10 shrubs, and 13 creepers). Grass is a major component of Bluebull (40.66%), and among the browse species, zizyphusmauritiana is highly preferred with a preference rating (5.2). Bluebull diet varies from season to season, making them a good mix feeder.