Diet and Habitat of Emus Dromaius novaehollandiae in the Grampians Ranges, South-western Victoria

Abstract

The diet of the Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae was studied by analysis of droppings at four sites in Victoria Valley, Grampians National Park, south-west Victoria, from March to July, 1984. Little variation occurred in diet between the study sites. Emus concentrated on particular plants; dicotyledons comprised 88-95% of droppings by dry weight in each monthly sample, with Epacridaceae, mostly flowers of the Flame Heath Astroloma conostephioides, the most abundant, especially after March. Monocotyledons were unimportant, although aquatic Streaked Arrowgrass Triglochin striata was recorded February-April at the swamp site. Other plant species and non-food items constituted only a small part of the diet. Emus used a swampy site in warm, drier months, but left as temperatures decreased, and when rains arrived in July. Riparian forest-River Red Gum forest was also frequented during warmer periods while open River Red Gum forest and heathheathy woodland became more important in colder months. Habitat usage appeared to relate to availability of food and water, and to a lesser extent, shelter.