Abstract:
The habitat selection, diet and body condition of impala and
nyala were investigated in Mkuzi and Ndumu Game Reserves.
Impala and nyala, separated into different habitats within
Mkuzi Game Reserve: impala preferring the western and nyala
the eastern regions of the reserve. A degree of overlap in
habitat preference existed within the centre of the reserve.
Impala preferred a grass diet but following lignification and a decline in protein during winter, dicotyledon intake
increased. Nyala also preferred grass after the first rains.
Breeding impala females were in a positive protein balance
during the early stages of gestation al though, following an
increase in protein intake during the later stages of
gestation and early lactation their requirements exceeded
intake.
Pregnant females of both species had higher kidney fat indices
than non-pregnant individuals which suggests that fat
deposition was enhanced, even when food quality was low.
Territorial male impala lost condition during the rut due to a
reduction in food intake whilst bachelors was unaffected. KFI
of nyala bulls remained low throughout the study period.
