Forage preference of the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in a miombo woodland adjacent to Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Understanding the diet of herbivores is a crucial factor for the management of wild animals in natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to establish the forage selection by the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in different seasons in Garura communal area management programme for indigenous resources (CAMPFIRE) project adjacent to Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. The direct observation method was used to collect data on the woody species foraged by the greater kudu, where field observations were conducted to determine woody species consumed by the greater kudu at the feeding sites across two seasons, dry (September to October 2015) and wet season (December 2015 to January 2016). A total of 17 out of 38 woody species were recorded as being preferred by the greater kudu. There was no significant difference in the diversity, acceptance and availability of forage by greater kudu across seasons. The main five commonly utilized woody species across both seasons were Ficus coronata, Savanna dwababerry, Dalbergia nyassae, Gymnosporia senegalensis and Bauhinia petersiana. Results revealed that seasonality did not have any influence on forage selection on woody species in the study area.

Keywords:

• abundance
• acceptability
• availability
• browsing
• foraging behaviour
• herbivores
• woody species

Public Interest Statement

Though the diet of large herbivores has been extensively studied, understanding the feeding ecology of introduced free-ranging greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) under the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indegenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) is important for monitoring and making appropriate habitat management decisions under potential competing land use options. This study established the forage selection by introduced greater kudu in Garura communal area adjacent to Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. It was found that the greater kudu is adaptable to a broad range of habitats as evidenced by the wide spectrum of woody plant species selection. While introductions and re-introductions of herbirvores to areas they formally occupied are on-going under species restoration programs, it is important to carryout habitat suitability assessment as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommendations before and after such introductions. This is so as significant habitat changes could have taken palce with a huge bearing on introduced species survival and health.

Competing Interest

The authors declares no competing interest.

Acknowledgements

We thank the Wilderness Africa Trust (Hippo Pools) management committee and Hippo Pools Camp Staff for the opportunity to undertake this project and all the support throughout the field work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Ruth R. Chinomona

Ruth R. Chinomona graduated with a BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Safari Management at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

Edson Gandiwa

Edson Gandiwa is a Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Management at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

Victor K. Muposhi

Victor K. Muposhi is a Deputy Dean in the School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation and programme coordinator for the MSc in Biodiversity Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology. His research interests include conservation science, population and behavioural ecology, sustainable use, and ecological modelling.

Never Muboko

Never Muboko is the Chair of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Chinhoyi University of Technology. His current research interests include social ecology, human-wildlife conflicts, wildlife management and community-based natural resource conservation.

Maria S. Moyo

Maria S. Moyo is currently a Guests and Office Services supervisor at Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp, Umfurudzi Safari Area and currently studying towards an MSc in Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation. Her current research is focusing on community perceptions, attitudes and impact on the existence of Umfurudzi Safari Area.