1. Goats: Goats are known for their ability to browse on various plants and trees, and they do enjoy eating ash trees. Ash leaves contain nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, making them a suitable food source for goats.
2. Deer: Deer are herbivorous animals that feed on leaves, twigs, and buds of different trees and plants. Ash trees can be part of their diet, especially when other preferred food sources are scarce.
3. Insects: Some insect species feed on ash trees. For example, the larvae of the emerald ash borer, an invasive species from Asia, bore into the bark and feed on the inner tissues of ash trees, causing significant damage.
4. Other Animals: Other animals that may occasionally consume ash tree leaves or twigs include rabbits, hares, and even cattle or horses when other forage is limited. However, these animals typically do not rely heavily on ash trees as their primary food source.
It's important to note that the specific animals that eat ash trees can vary depending on the region and the availability of other food sources. Additionally, some animals may only consume certain parts of the ash tree, such as leaves or twigs, while avoiding other parts.