Abstract
Abstract In sub-Saharan Africa, the widespread practice of corralling livestock overnight in thorn-scrub “bomas” creates nutrient-enriched patches within rangelands that can subsequently support unique plant communities for decades to centuries after boma abandonment. These nutrient-rich patches (glades) may be preferentially used by native ungulates that coexist with livestock. To evaluate the potential link between cattle management via bomas and habitat for impala (Aepyceros melampus), I examined seasonal patterns of habitat selection by impala and landscape variation in grass nutrient content on a commercial cattle ranch in central Laikipia, Kenya. Studies using automated, infrared camera monitors showed that impala selected nutrient-rich glades 2.6 times more frequently than surrounding Acacia bushland habitat during dry seasons, and 9.6 times more frequently during wet seasons. Significantly greater impala presence in glade versus bushland habitat during dry seasons suggests that impala presence may...
Published Version
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