MINERAL-CONTENT AND WILDLIFE USE OF SOIL LICKS IN SOUTHWESTERN NEPAL

Twelve species of mammals were recorded at mineral licks during the dr y season in lowland Nepal. When analyzed for extractable phosphorus, p otassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and sulphur concentrations and p H, only sodium concentration and pH were significantly higher than in control soil samples taken in both sal forest (Shorea robusta), in whi ch all the licks were found, and adjacent riverine forest and grasslan d habitats. The axis deer (Axis axis) and common langur (Presbytis ent ellus) were the most common species on the licks. Axis deer used the l icks intensively in January, just after grass sprouting, while most co mmon langurs were recorded in March, after flushing of browse species. Sodium appeared to be the main element sought at the licks, based on both concentration differences between licks and controls and the sign ificant relationship between axis deer use and the sodium content of t he lick.