Why do cervids strip the tree bark?

Abstract

We discussed the characteristics of bark stripping occurrence and examined the reasons why cervids debark trees in this review. Cervids selected tree species in bark stripping, and the selection affected the forest composition. Although many reports mentioned that the bark stripping occurred in winter because of food shortage, some literatures proposed another reason for bark stripping occurred in seasons except winter. Though it was not proved experimentally, they mentioned that the reason for bark stripping might be remedying the rumen condition by eating bark. To explain the mechanism clearly, examinations of food habit and analyses of rumen condition with captive and wild deer are needed. The viewpoint on digestive physiology of ruminants may give us a novel idea on clearing up the food habits of cervids.