DIETS OF DESERT MULE DEER

We studied the diets of desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki M earns) at 3 sites in Arizona and collated this information with that o f previous diet studies of desert mule deer across their range in the United States, We documented 96 browse, 69 forb, 14 succulent, and 6 g rass species that each constituted greater than or equal to 1% of the diet during greater than or equal to 1 season, The occurrence of indiv idual plant species varied spatially and temporally, Changes in nutrie nt levels and climatic influence on relative availability and phenolog y of plant species likely influenced diet, Desert mule deer rely heavi ly on browse and forbes, which make up the majority of their diet (> 9 0%), Grasses and succulents were generally < 5% of the diet, Rangeland managers should strive to keep desert rangelands productive with a di versity of forage so animals have opportunities to exercise free choic e of diet.