GRAZING PREFERENCES OF IMPALA: A QUANTITATIVE FAECAL ANALYTICAL AND ANATOMICAL EVALUATION

Summary

Quantitative microscopic analysis of impala (Aepyceros m. melampus) faeces showed that epidermi of grass leaves persist undigested in fairly large fragments, and that interspecific anatomical variation provides diagnostic criteria for identification of these grasses. Relative abundance of these species growing in the impala habitat was determined and a comparison between relative abundance and relative amount eaten showed significant selection for or against different species. Selection was attributed to palatability. In those species where selection was not significant, it is suggested that the relative amounts eaten were probably determined by their abundance.