Dataset:

Examination of the timing and extent of diet overlap between wild and domestic ungulates

Our objective for this study is to quantify the extent and timing of diet overlap between elk and cattle. A better understanding of diet overlap on summer range can also provide insights into how diet overlap and the potential for competition is likely to change with predicted increases in drought frequency and severity in the West. To study diet overlap, we will examine forage resource use versus its availability. Forage resource use will be quantified using DNA metabarcoding on collected fecal samples to determine the diets of elk and cattle. In 2023, 1016 cow, elk, and deer fecal samples were collected for diet analysis. DNA metabarcoding for diet analysis will be conducted by the Levi lab at Oregon State University.