The feeding ecology of a selective browser, the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)

Abstract

A herbivore can manipulate certain factors of its feeding behaviour in order to achieve the metabolic requirements for reproduction. These factors include the choice of habitat in which to feed, the selection criteria for choosing food items, and the time allocated to feeding or devoted to other energy‐consuming activities. The manipulation of these behavioural factors by giraffe in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is analysed in relation to the seasonal changes in the quantity and quality of the food resource.The pattern of habitat choice demonstrates seasonal movements by giraffe across the drainage catena in response to differences in the rates of browse production between woodland types.Giraffe show a positive inter‐specific selection for the minor food items with a low available biomass, and utilize the dominant species in approximate proportion to their availability. Plant part selection is shown for the flushing shoots with very high protein contents.Selection criteria include a significant selection for phosphorus, and in the dry season a selection for high energy material by breeding females. With the high nutritional qualities of the diets, negative criteria such as secondary chemical compounds are important. Patterns of browse selection are correlated with inter‐specific seasonal changes in plant phenology.Giraffe devote more time to foraging as the biomass and quality of the food declines in the dry season. Energy is conserved by minimizing energy‐consuming activities at the most demanding times of day.