Quick Answer
Axis deer tend to prefer certain plants as food sources in Hawaii, particularly those with leaves, twigs, and berries. They also consume grasses and other vegetation. In addition, they have been known to browse on crops and ornamental plants.
Habitat Preferences
Axis deer in Hawaii have been observed to focus on areas with dense vegetation, such as woodlands and forests. They often concentrate in areas with a mix of native and non-native plant species. For example, they tend to prefer the leaves of non-native plants like the Koa tree (Acacia koa) and native plants like the Ohia tree (Metrosideros polymorpha).
Dietary Preferences
In terms of specific plant species, axis deer in Hawaii tend to prefer plants with high moisture content, such as the leaves and stems of the Koa tree, the Ohia tree, and other native and non-native species. They also consume grasses, including species like the Lehua grass (Hedychium gardnerianum) and the Molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora). During times of drought, they may browse on crops, such as sugarcane, corn, and soybeans.
Seasonal Variations
The axis deer’s dietary preferences can vary depending on the season. During the wet season, they tend to focus on plants with high moisture content, while during the dry season, they may browse on drier vegetation, such as twigs and leaves. This seasonal variation is likely a result of the axis deer’s adaptation to the changing climate in Hawaii, where the wet season typically occurs from November to March, and the dry season from April to October.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.