Vigilance behavior and population density of common large herbivores in a southern African savanna. | [Journal of Animal and Plant sciences • 2015]

Author(s):

1. Thabisile Ndiweni: Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

2. Patience Zisadza-Gandiwa: Transfrontier Conservation Areas Unit, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, P. O. Box CY 140, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe

3. Hlengisizwe Ncube: Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

4. Clayton Mashapa: Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Africa University, P. O. Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe

5. Edson Gandiwa: Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Africa University, P. O. Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe

Abstract:

The study assessed flight behavioural responses of impala (Aepyceros melampus) and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) to human disturbance and compared densities of common large herbivores across Gonarezhou National Park (non- consumptive land use) and the adjacent Malipati Safari Area (consumptive land use) in southeast Zimbabwe. Animal vigilance was measured by flight behaviour and compared in terms of area and group size. Distance sampling method was used to collect data on densities of large herbivores including namely; impala, kudu, zebra (Equus quagga), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), elephant (Loxodonta africana), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), steenbok (Raphicerus campestris), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) and nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), and in both study sites. The vigilance of impala and kudu were higher in Malipati than Gonarezhou (p 0.05). Densities of common large herbivores were marginally different with Gonarezhou having higher animal densities than Malipati (p ≤ 0.05). Our results suggest that hunting is important in triggering increased vigilance behaviour of herbivores as well as influencing animal densities. Thus, it is important to monitor and reduce negative human activities on animal populations in the study area for enhancing tourism activities and conservation.

Page(s): 876-883

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant sciences, Volume: 25, Issue: 3, Year: 2015

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