Feeding niches of four large herbivores in the hluhluwe game reserve, natal¹

Based on a B.Sc. (Hons) dissertation by the senior author.

Abstract

The differences and similarities between buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and white rhino, with respect to the variables characterizing their feeding localities, were determined using a discriminant function analysis. The dimensions of the community niche are described using the Latent Roots and their associated vectors extracted from a matrix whose elements represent the values of each habitat variable at each feeding site. The location of each herbivore species niche within the community niche is established and the variables responsible for niche separation and those with respect to which niche overlap occurs are indicated. The height of the grass layer is the most important variable relating to separation, and the importance of niche overlap in this respect is emphasized. Shrub canopy cover is found to be important in achieving separation of buffalo. Choice of habitat type is discussed.

Uittreksel

Die verskille en ooreenkomste tussen die veranderlikes wat die weidingslokaliteite van die buffel, sebra, blou‐wilde‐bees en witrenoster bepaal, is vasgestel deur die gebruik van die diskriminant‐funksie analise. Die dimensies van die gemeenskaplike nis word beskryf deur gebruik te maak van die latente worteis en huile geassosieerde vektore, wat af‐gelei word van ‘n matriks waarvan die elemente die waardes van elke habitat‐veranderlike by elke voedings‐lokaliteit kenmerk. Die ligging van elke herbivoorsoort se nis binne die gemeenskaplike nis, is vasgestel en die veranderlikes wat vir nis‐skeiding en nis‐oorvleueling verantwoordelik is, word aangedui. Die hoogte van die graslaag is die belangrikste veranderlike in verband met nis‐skeiding. Die belangrikheid van nis‐oorvleueling in die verband word beklemtoon. Die blaredak van struikoordekking is belangrik in nis‐skeiding in die geval van die buffel. Reuse van habitatsoort word bespreek.

Notes

Based on a B.Sc. (Hons) dissertation by the senior author.