| The chemical composition of salt licks and the diet of the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) were studied in the upper montane rain forests (2900-3700 m), in the Parque Regional Natural Ucumari and Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, Colombia. We collected water samples from the salt licks, 28 feces and voucher specimens of plants with tapir browsing sign. The chemical analysis of the water from salt licks showed higher concentrations of Na, N-NH4 y N-NO3when compared to the water of a nearby stream used as control. The nitrogen of the water at the salt lick is probably being fixed by Nostoc, a Cynobacteria associated with Gunneramanicata and G. magnifolia, two plants located in the upper part of the rocky cliff from where the water drains to the salt... |
