Browsing by Author "Spies, Karherine Sarah"
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- ItemEcology of impala (Aepyceros melampus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Spies, Karherine Sarah; Leslie, Alison Jane; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Protected areas in Africa are under increasing pressure as the human population and their associated activities continue to rise. Habitat loss and fragmentation has led to the isolation of wildlife areas, which are commonly fenced to protect biodiversity and to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. As fencing impacts ecological processes, intense management is required to conserve biodiversity and prevent habitat degradation in these areas. Effective management and biodiversity conservation strategies depend on a good understanding of the ecological requirements and characteristics of dominant species. African Parks is an example of an organization that has overcome many challenges to make an extraordinary contribution to conservation in Africa. After the decimation of most mammals by excessive poaching in Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR), Malawi, the park underwent one of the largest reintroduction programmes on the African continent. Of the 14 species and 2559 animals reintroduced, were 737 impala and 402 waterbuck, both of which are successful breeders and can compete vigorously for resources. Population abundance and density estimates were determined for a 140km² section of MWR using distance sampling methods on drive counts for 14 consecutive months (2013-2014). The data were analyzed in the software programme DISTANCE. Estimates indicated that post-reintroduction impala and waterbuck populations have increased significantly and displayed a preference for habitats adjacent to the perennial Shire and Mkulumadzi Rivers in the north-east of the reserve. Population control strategies needs to be implemented in the near future to curtail the impacts of habitat over- utilization by these two species and other ungulates. An apt understanding of species behaviour in specific areas assists managers to develop management strategies. Baseline ecology for impala and waterbuck were determined using behavioural observations on drive counts, and waterhole counts. Overall, impala and waterbuck had similar ecology to other populations previously studied. However the impala lambing season occurred marginally earlier and waterbuck calving season peaked in May-June i.e. not in March and October as determined by other studies. Furthermore, it was established that impala and waterbuck adult males utilized waterholes more frequently than females. In addition, impala and waterbuck males displayed a preference for waterholes according to surrounding vegetation type. Managers should consider these trends when revising the artificial water point management for the reserve. The foraging behaviour of impala and waterbuck were investigated in more detail. Stable isotope analysis of dung was used to estimate the graze and browse composition in these two ungulates’ diets. It was determined that impala are mixed feeders that readily shift from a high graze content in the wet summer season to relatively high browse content in the dry winter season. Waterbuck were typical grazers that were able to utilize browse species in more stressful environmental conditions. Contrary to a typical dietary overlap occurring in the dry season, impala and waterbuck have a dietary overlap in the wet, summer months when both species have a high graze species content in their diet. MWR management required a better understanding of the ecology of impala and waterbuck post reintroduction to contribute toward management planning. Based on the information gleaned from the various studies conducted, both ungulates have successfully established themselves in MWR and their populations have significantly increased and require intensive management to prevent environmental degradation. Population management strategies should include the translocation of wildlife from MWR to other parks, as part of a national reintroduction programme in Malawi.