Do animals eat moss?

Moss (Bryophyta) is a small green flowerless plant, generally found in damp, dark environments, especially on the ground in rainforests, but also covering rocks and tree bark.

Very few animals eat moss because it does not have enough nutrients. It contains mostly indigestible fibre that the stomach of animals can’t break down and digest.

Many animals just nibble on moss, because it contains moisture, such as water and other liquids.

Caribou and reindeer feed on a plant called caribou moss, but it is not a moss; it is a lichen. Some birds eat Arctic moss.

Animals use moss mainly as a lining for their nests and dens, because it is soft and provides comfortable bedding material.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM