Zebra Equus Research Articles

Interrelationships Between Fire, Grazing and Grass Cover at the Bontebok National Park

Point surveys of permanently marked plots were conducted with the aim of (i) determining the change in grass height, cover and degree of defoliation with increasing time after veld burning and (ii) determining which plant species are most intensively defoliated by herbivores (mainly bontebok and grey rhebok). Grass was the most heavily defoliated component of the vegetation, whereas Restionaceae and Cyperaceae were generally avoided. No grass species was consistently avoided by herbivores, and no species was consistently favoured. Instead selection among species varied with growth stage. The tall, coarse species were favoured on new burns when the vegetation was still short. The short species came into favour once the sward had grown taller. Defoliation was heaviest within the first year after burning and thereafter decreased substantially. The introduction of coarse grass grazers such as mountain zebra to the park might lead to greater use of the mature veld. Those grass species that underwent the heaviest defoliation on new burns (over 50 of leaves severed) showed three- to seven-fold increases in canopy spread cover over subsequent years. Thus heavy use of recently burnt veld is not necessarily deleterious.

Activity patterns and feeding behaviour of hyrax (Procavia capensis) in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The activity patterns of marked hyrax in the Mountain Zebra National Park were quantified by direct observations. Extended periods are spent on basking during winter (6,8 h) and summer (5,3 h) respectively. At least 80 % of each day is spent in an inactive phase. The more extended time spent on movement and time spent within refuges during summer (0,4 and 2,7 h), compared to winter (0,2 and 0,9 h), can possibly be interpreted in terms of behavioural thermoregulation. Distinct differences between the feeding behaviour of juveniles (< 6 months) and older hyrax were observed. Foraging of juveniles was limited to a distance of 40 m or less from refuges and took place under the surveilance of adults. Foraging of older hyrax frequently occurred for extended distances (up to 500 m) from refuges. These hyrax frequently visited riparian thickets. Foraging excursions of individual hyrax lasted for 0,5 - 8 h. The reported early and late afternoon group feeding sessions for hyrax older than 5 months could not be confirmed.

Reproductive characteristics of a free-ranging population of Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)

In a population of free-ranging Cape mountain zebra, median age at first foaling was 67 months (range 38-105 months), median foaling interval was 25 months (range 13-69 months) and annual foaling rate was 32%. Foaling rates of younger and older mares were similar. Foals were born all year round with a peak corresponding to the rainy season (summer). Conception occurred later in the season when the spring was dry.

The Black Cuckoo-Shrike <i>Campephaga flava</i>: A new record for the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Cradock district, Cape Province

The avifauna of the Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) has been recorded over a period of some two decades (Skead 1965, Koedoe 8: 1-40; Penzhorn & Bronkhorst 1976, Koedoe 19: 171-174; Penzhorn 1977, Koedoe 20: 205-207; Grobler & Bronkhorst 1981, Koedoe 24: 199-203). Collett (1982 Southern Birds 9: 1-65) has summarised all the available information on the avifauna of the Cradock district assembled since the turn of the century. Although 203 species are recorded from the MZNP by these authors (and a further four in the roneoed checklist for the park (Anon, updated, National Parks Board of Trustees, roneod, 15 pp)) no mention is made of the Black Cuckoo-Shrike Campephaga flava. Collett (1982) does not list it for the Cradock district.

A Long‐term Study of Social Organisation and Behaviour of Cape Mountain Zebras Equus zebra zebra

Abstract and Summary1. The social structure of Cape mountain zebras consists of breeding herds and bachelor groups. The breeding herds, which comprise 1 stallion, 1–5 mares and their offspring, remain stable over many years. When the stallion is displaced by another the mares usually remain together, although some herds split up. A dominance hierarchy exists, but leadership is not confined to the dominant member. Foals leave their maternal herds at a mean age of 21.9 months. The herd stallion tries to prevent foals from leaving the herd.2. Bachelor groups are not as rigidly structured as breeding herds but core groups could be identified through a Principal Components Analysis. Family ties may be important in the establishment of core groups. Bachelors succeed in becoming herd stallions when ca. 5 years old.3. The recipient of a threat moving away seems to be an adequate response. Submissive behaviour was only recorded in bachelors. Fighting is rare, with biting as an important element. Compared to plains zebras, sounds made in communication are limited. Social grooming mainly occurs between mare and foal. Grooming intention movements may be an appeasement gesture.4. An oestrus mare assumes a characteristic posture. Flehmen occurs. Urine and faeces of oestrus mares are often marked by the stallion. This cannot be explained functionally and is not restricted to eliminations of oestrus mares. Penis erection and jerking by resting stallions could serve as a warning signal, but may be masturbatory.5. The herd stallion actively herds members of his herd and reduces intraherd antagonism by means of threats. He usually leads when the herd goes to drink and brings up the rear when the herd moves away from danger.6. Play was rarely recorded.7. A challenge ritual is performed when herd stallions meet. When challenged by a herd stallion, a bachelor is submissive.8. Foals initially remain close to their mothers and have to learn the correct orientation when suckling. A single adoption was recorded.9. Individuals apparently recognise each other after long periods.10. Cape mountain zebras react to alarm signals of antelopes.11. The greater part of the day is devoted to grazing. A significantly greater percentage of the day is spent resting in winter than in summer. Cape mountain zebras mainly stand while resting, but resting in sternal or lateral recumbency also occurs. Defaecation and urination occurs throughout the day with no definite peaks.12. Grooming consists of localized muscle contractions, shaking, striking one part of the body against another or against the ground, rubbing, dust‐bathing, scratching and nibbling.13. In cold weather, Cape mountain zebras seek shelter in wooded kloofs.Zusammenfassung Bergzebras bilden Familien und Junggesellengruppen. Familien bestehen aus einem Hengst, 1–5 Stuten und deren Nachwuchs. Harems bleiben jahrelang unverändert. Wird der Hengst verdrängt, so bleiben die Stuten meist zusammen. Es besteht eine Rangordnung, doch führt nicht nur das dominante Tier. Fohlen verlassen die Familie mit durchschnittlich 21,9 Monaten. Der Familienhengst versucht, die Fohlen am Weggehen zu hindern. Junggesellengruppen sind nicht so fest strukturiert wie die Familien, doch lassen sich Kerngruppen durch Hauptkomponentenanalyse identifizieren. Familienbeziehungen können für das Entstehen soldier Kerngruppen wichtig sein. Junggesellen können im Alter von ungefähr 5 Jahren Familienhengste werden. Flucht ist offenbar die ausreichende Reaktion auf Drohung. Unterwürfiges Verhalten wurde nur bei Junggesellen beobachtet. Kämpfe sieht man selten. Bergzebras haben weniger Kommunikationslaute als Steppenzebras. Soziale Hautpflege findet meist zwischen Stute und Fohlen statt. PflegeIntentionsbewegungen können zur Streitschlichtung benutzt werden. Rossige Stuten nehmen eine charakteristische Stellung ein. Flehmen kommt vor. Harn und Kot rossiger Stuten werden oft vom Hengst markiert. Erektion des Penis mit Zuckungen beim ruhenden Hengst kann entweder als Warnsignal oder als Masturbation gedeutet werden. Der Hengst herdet die Mitglieder seiner Familie und bremst innerfamiliäre Aggression durch Drohen. Gewöhnlich führt er die Familie zur Tränke und verläßt als Letzter die Gefahrenzone. Spielen wurde selten beobachtet. Wenn Familienhengste sich treffen, findet ein Herausforderungs‐Ritual statt. Junggesellen reagieren unterwürfig, wenn sie so herausgefordert werden. Fohlen bleiben anfangs nahe bei der Mutter. Sie müssen die richtige Orientierung beim Säugen erlernen. Eine Adoption wurde registriert. Individuen scheinen sich nach langer Zeit wiederzuerkennen. Bergzebras reagieren auf die Alarmsignale von Antilopen. Der größte Teil des Tages wird zum Grasen gebraucht. Im Winter gibt es signifikant längere Ruheperioden als im Sommer. Bergzebras ruhen meist stehend. Exkremente werden den ganzen Tag über ausgeschieden. Zur Körperpflege gehören örtliche Muskelkontraktionen, Schütteln, Schlagen eines Körperteils gegen einen anderen oder gegen den Boden, Reiben, Staubbaden, Kratzen und Knabbern. Bei kaltem Wetter suchen Bergzebras in bewaldeten Schluchten Schutz.

Feeding habits of the Cape Mountain Zebra<i> Equus zebra zebra</i> LINN. 1758

The feeding habits of the Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra Linn. 1758, were studied in the Mountain Zebra National Park. They were highly selective utilising only seven of 17 available grass species at feeding sites and 26 of plants available. These zebra fed at 40 mm to 80 mm above the ground except when eating seed heads of certain grass species. Protein levels of grasses eaten were above 4 and seasonal movements were associated with mean food quality @ there were thus summer grazing and winter grazing areas. Mean crude protein in the faeces fluctuated seasonally.

Soil-eattng by Cape Mountain Zebras<i> Equus Zebra Zebra</i> in the Mountain Zebra National Park

Cape mountain zebra stallions, mares and foals ate soil at mineral licks, mainly during summer. Calcium was the only mineral with higher concentrations at the licks than in all surrounding soil samples. The influence of calcium on reproduction is discussed.

Age determination in Cape Mountain Zebras <i>Equus Zebra Zebra</i> in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The sizes of foals up to two years old can be used for age estimation in the field. Tooth eruption and replacement, which is similar to Hartmann and plains zebras, can be used for age estimation up to four years. No age classes based on tooth wear could be defined, due to the paucity of material. Infundibula in the incisors are retained to a greater age than in Hartmann or plains zebras. Cementum layer counts offer a reliable age determination method, at least up to 15 years.

Home range sizes of Cape Mountain Zebras<i> Equus Zebra Zebra</i> in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The mean home range size of Cape mountain zebra breeding herds was 9,4 km2 (range 3,1 @ 16,0 km2). In two herds which split up, the home ranges of the resultant herds included the original home ranges, but were larger.

The Leopard Tortoise in the Mountain Zebra National Park

A total of 69 leopard tortoises Geochelone pardalis babcocki (Loveridge 1935) were captured, marked, sexed, weighed and released. The results of this exercise together with other field data are presented and discussed.

Hämoglobine, XLIV. Perissodactyla: Die Sequenz der Hämoglobine von Wildesel(Equus hemionus kulan)und Zebra(Equus zebra)

The hemoglobins from an asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus kulan) and a mountain zebra (Equus zebra) were analysed and the complete primary structure of the alpha and beta chains are described. The wild ass globin was separated in two alpha chains (alpha I and alpha II) and one beta-chain by means of chromatography on CM-cellulose in 8M urea buffer at pH 6.5. The wild ass globin shows polymorphism in the alpha-chain like the horse hemoglobin. Under the same chromatographic conditions only one alpha and one beta-chain were found in the zebra globin. The primary structures were determined with the aid of an automatic liquid phase sequenator. A comparison of the sequence data shows there is only one amino acid differing between the alpha I- and alpha II-chain of wild ass. In position 20 asparagine (apha I) is substituted for histidine (alpha II). There are three amino acid replacements between the alpha I-chain in wild ass and an alpha-chain in horse (alpha 24 Phe, alpha 60 Lys); alpha I20 Asn leads to His, alpha 23 Asp leads to Glu, alpha 131 Thr leads to Ser. Two amino acid substitutions were found between the alpha-chains in zebra and horse, alpha 20 Asn leads to His and alpha 131 Thr leads to Ser. The beta-chains of wild ass zebra hemoglobins are identical, but two amino acid differences were found between wild ass and horse globins, beta 52 Ala leads to Gly and beta 87 Gln leads to Ala.

Additions and amendments to the bird and mammal lists of the Mountain Zebra National Park

The following account updates and amends various previous publications dealing with the birds and mammals of the Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP). In the case of birds, Roberts' Birds of South Africa numbers are used.

A preliminary checklist of reptiles and amphibians in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The following species of reptiles and amphibians have been collected and identified from the Mountain Zebra National Park some 27 km south west of Cradock, R.S.A.

Feeding behaviour of the caracalFelis caracalSchreber 1776 in the Mountain Zebra National Park

A total of 21 caracal kills were recorded in the Mountain Zebra National Park of which 15 were mountain reedbuck. In 200 scats analysed, mammals made up 93,8% of the prey species identified, birds 5,3% and reptiles 0,9%. Cape dassies (53,3%) and mountain reedbuck (19,6%) were the most common prey items in the scats. The way in which prey is eaten, food consumption and hunting behaviour are discussed.

Productivity of Mountain Reedbugk<i> Redunca Fulvorufula </i>(Afzelius, 1815) at the Mountain Zebra National Park

Eighty two adult mountain reedbuck Redunca fulvoru- fula were collected during four seasons, autumn, winter, spring and summer at the Mountain Zebra National Park mainly during 1975 and 1976. Body mass and carcass characteristics varied little with season, body mass varying from 24,0-35,5 kg for all buck shot and dressing percentage always exeeded 50. According to KFI animals were all in fair to good condition. Sixty four percent of all ewes were pregnant and 38,5 lactating. Females and males bred throughout the year but there was a peak in births during mid-summer. The species is highly productive, well adapted to the niche it occupies and lends itself to exploitation for meat production.

The yellow Mongoose <i>Cynictis Penicillata</i> and other small carnivores in the Mountain Zebra National Park

The Mountain Zebra National Park is situated some 27 km southwest of Cradock, Republic of South Africa.

A phytosociological reconnaissance of the Mountain Zebra National Park

The vegetation of the Mountain Zebra National Park, situated within the Eastern Mixed Karooveld of the Republic of South Africa, was surveyed and analysed according to the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method of sampling and synthesis. Brief discussions on the phytogeography of the Karoo and the physiography and climate of the Park are included. Three distinct major vegetation types are described floristically, physiognomically and ecologically. A vegetation map of the Park is provided.

Nephritis associated with <i>Actinobacillus Equuli</i> in the Cape Mountain Zebra

In post mortem examinations conducted on four Cape mountain zebra Equus Zebra Zebra, nephritis was suspected of being a major contributary factor or the direct cause of death.

Social organisation of the Cape Mountain Zebra <i>Equus Z. Zebra</i> in the Mountain Zebra National Park*

The social structure of Cape mountain zebras con- sists of breeding herds of one stallion, one to five mares and their offspring, as well as bachelor groups. Breeding herds remain stable over many years and when the stallion is displaced by another, the mares remain together. A dominance hierarchy exists, but leadership is random. Foals leave their maternal herds at a mean age of 22,3 months. The herd stallion tries to prevent the foals from leaving the herd. Bachelor groups are not as well defined as breeding herds, but core groups could be identified through a principal components analysis ordination. Family ties may be important in the establishment of core groups. Bachelors succeed in becoming herd stallions when about five years old. Aspects of the possible evolution of the social structure are discussed.

The biting louse genusWerneckiella(Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) ectoparasitic on the horse family Equidae (Mammalia: Perissodactyla)

Summary The genus Werneckiella, parasitic on horses, asses and zebras (Perissodactyla: Equidae) and the barbary sheep (Artiodactyla: Caprinae) is described fully for the first time. Six species are described, including one new species, zebrae from Hartmann Mountain Zebra, and ocellata, a species of hitherto uncertain validity; three new synonyms and three new combinations are recognized. A species key is provided and there is a host-parasite discussion.