Springbok behaviour as affected by environmental conditions in the Kalahari

Hein Stapelberg,Hendrik T Groeneveld,Margaretha W Van Rooyen,Michael J Van Der Linde,Jacobus Du P Bothma

doi:10.4102/koedoe.v50i1.143

Hein Stapelberg, Hendrik T Groeneveld + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v50i1.143

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Abstract

Springbok behavioural ecology in the Kalahari was examined with the use of public questionnaires and field forms. Springbok favoured grass and forbs overall more than shrubs and trees, but diet selection was influenced by time of day and season. Feeding was the most common activity and the frequency of occurrence varied during the day and between seasons. Weather and microhabitat conditions were found to have a significant effect on the feeding behaviour. Springbok fed in direct sunlight in the mornings and moved into the shade during the afternoon. More time was spent feeding in the shade during the warmer months than during the colder months, especially under northerly to northeasterly wind directions. Natural licks were commonly utilised. Herd sizes were found to increase during the cold-dry season and decrease during the hot-wet season. Springbok and blue wildebeest appeared to avoid competition by niche separation. The study showed that springbok behaviour was significantly affected by environmental conditions. These results imply that changes in climatic conditions, such as those predicted by climate change, or changes in vegetation structure due to degradation, can negatively affect springbok behaviour.

Highlights

Springbok behavioural ecology in the Kalahari was examined with the use of public questionnaires and field forms
The diet of Kalahari springbok is highly variable and diet selection is influenced by season and time of day
Climate and weather conditions were found to have a significant effect on the feeding behaviour, as did shade and direct sunshine

Summary

Introduction

Springbok behavioural ecology in the Kalahari was examined with the use of public questionnaires and field forms. Springbok are selective feeders (Bothma et al 2002) and the quality of their diet is a significant driving force behind their behaviour and movements (Mills & Retief 1984) They have an exceptionally high annual population growth of 35 to 45% (Mills & Haagner, 1989; Conroy 2005). Recent declining springbok populations in South Africa have been reported from the Kalahari, while other areas such as the Karoo have shown a significant increase in recent times (Skinner & Moss 2004). The hypothesis that was put forward was that springbok behaviour, in particular feeding and food selection, is significantly affected by environmental and seasonal conditions. The present study was carried out on the South African side of the park, called the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park (between 24° 15’ S and 26° 30’ S, and 20° 00’ E and 20° 45’ E), an area that covers some 9 600 km (Jackson 1995)

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