Preferential utilization of pans by springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Abstract

Forage utilization by springbok in pans and surrounding habitats was compared at one karroid shrubland site and two desert grassland sites and was found to be greater in pans than on adjacent plains and dunes. Springbok used pan areas for various social interactions and there was noticeably more springbok dung in pans. Pan soils had higher Ca, K, Na and P concentrations and plants remained green for longer in pans than in surrounding areas. The high quality of food in pans together with the suitability of pans as display sites may explain the preferential use of pan areas by springbok.

Die benutting van weiding in panne en omliggende gebiede deur springbokke is in een karoostruikveldgebied en in twee woestyngrasveldgebiede vergelyk. Plantbenutting in panne was hoër as in die omliggende vlakte en duine. Die springbokke het die pangebiede gebruik vir verskeie sosiale interaksies en meer springbokmis het in die panne voorgekom. Pangronde is geneig om ryker in voedingstowwe te wees en plante net langer groen in panne as in omliggende gebiede gebly. Die hoe voedingswaarde van plante in panne tesame met die geskiktheid van panne vir hul vertonings gedrag mag dalk die voorkeur van springbokke vir panne verduidelik.

Additional index words:

• Antelope
• desert grassland
• karoo
• payability
• soils