Dataset for: Assessment of grassland condition, plant species present in microhistological slides of vicuña diet

Abstract

The study was conducted in the community of Picotani, in two vicuña management sectors: Tambojarkas (TAM) and Chalhuani (CHAL). A total of 10 sites were evaluated, 7 within Chalhuani and 3 within Tambojarkas. In each site, three 30-meter linear transects were established, oriented to the north, southeast, and southwest. Along each transect, characteristics related to grasses and vegetation cover in the area were assessed, ranging from areas with low cover (due to overgrazing) to areas with high vegetation cover (less impacted sites). To evaluate the diet and nutrients available to vicuñas in these areas, focal group monitoring was carried out, and fecal samples were collected from identified dung piles of these groups to determine the composition of plant species consumed by these individuals.