Unveiling Diet Preferences and Their Nutritional Drivers Through Metabarcoding: The Case of Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota L.) in High Altitude Grazed Pastures.

This study employed DNA metabarcoding to investigate the diet composition and foraging strategies of alpine marmots (Marmota marmota L.) across diverse alpine pasture ecosystems throughout the summer season. Fecal samples from nine family units in four distinct areas were analyzed, alongside comprehensive pasture floristic and nutritional assessments. The study identified 86 plant species as typical in the marmot diet, revealing a more diverse dietary repertoire than previously reported. Diet composition varied across locations and throughout the summer, with differences not strictly linked to plant availability. Notably, the observed correlation between the abundance of specific plant species in the diet and overall pasture nutritional quality, coupled with the differential selection (positive or negative) of certain genera, suggests that marmots employ adaptive foraging strategies in response to fluctuations in nutrient availability. Factors such as protein content, fiber levels, and fatty acid profiles influenced plant selection. Additionally, cattle grazing appeared to impact marmot diet composition, likely through its effects on plant phenology and nutrient content. The study highlights the complex interplay between plant availability, nutritional composition, and environmental factors in shaping marmot foraging behavior. These findings contribute to our understanding of alpine marmot ecology and have implications for pasture management strategies in alpine ecosystems.