Territorial behaviour in southern impala rams (Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein)

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dc.contributor.author Oliver, C.M.
dc.contributor.author Skinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-
dc.contributor.author Van der Merwe, D.
dc.date.accessioned 2008-05-26T10:34:50Z
dc.date.available 2008-05-26T10:34:50Z
dc.date.issued 2007-06
dc.description.abstract The role of territoriality was investigated by studying 25 impala rams at a reserve in the Waterberg region of South Africa (23°45'S, 28°23'E). Mean territorial tenure was 67.25 days (range 23–99), with a mean territory size of 21.0 ± 11.27 ha, compared with home ranges of 34.1 ± 9.03 ha for territorial rams and 58.8 ± 33.35 ha for bachelor rams, using the fixed kernel method. Territory boundaries remained constant, whilst the area surrounding important features such as water holes, appears to be neutral in terms of territoriality. The rut, as evidenced from peaks in chasing and roaring, lasted for 2 months from 10 April to 10 June 2001, with intensified behaviour including matings observed from 16 May to 4 June 2001. Territorial rams chase and roar more than bachelors. Flehmen and display behaviours are performed by all rams, whilst fights and other reproductive behaviours are generally rare. Bachelors browse more than territorial rams. Only bachelors spar and allogroom, and orally groom themselves more than territorial rams. en
dc.description.sponsorship Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Research Committee en
dc.format.extent 175248 bytes
dc.format.mimetype application/pdf
dc.identifier.citation Oliver, CM, Skinner, JD & Van der Merwe, D 2007, ‘Territorial behaviour in southern impala rams (Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein)’, African Journal of Ecology, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 142–148. [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/aje] en
dc.identifier.issn 1365-2028
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5505
dc.language.iso en en
dc.publisher Blackwell Publishing en
dc.rights Blackwell Publishing. The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com en
dc.subject Territorial behaviour en
dc.subject Impala en
dc.subject Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein en
dc.subject.lcsh Impala -- South Africa en
dc.subject.lcsh Territoriality (Zoology) -- South Africa en
dc.title Territorial behaviour in southern impala rams (Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein) en
dc.type Article en


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