Trophic relationships of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) on Wrangel Island

Muskoxen and reindeer on Wrangel Island exhibit distinct seasonal dietary shifts, reflecting their unique feeding strategies and habitat preferences. Muskoxen, primarily grazers, rely more heavily on sedges during summer but switch to lichens and mosses in winter when snow cover limits access to other plants. Reindeer, with a broader diet, consume a mix of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and lichens year-round, though their intake varies seasonally due to changes in vegetation availability. This study highlights how these two herbivores partition resources on the island, reducing competition despite overlapping ranges. Researchers analyzed fecal samples and plant biomass data across seasons to quantify dietary composition, providing insights into their ecological roles within Wrangel Island's unique tundra ecosystem.

Rozenfeld, S. B., Gruzdev, A. R., Sipko, T. P., & Tikhonov, A. N. (2012). Trophic relationships of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) on Wrangel Island. Biology Bulletin, 39(9), 779–787. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359012090075