Abstract:
Springbok habitat is evaluated in terms of a physical description of the areas utilised and the influence of dietary characteristics on the nutritional status of the animals. Two of the three study sites were situated in the summer rainfall area and one in the winter rainfall area. A geographical information system was used to describe the distribution of the animals in terms of a dry and a wet season. It was confirmed that springbok prefer level areas without a high density of large plants. Habitat selection was influenced by the season of the year. Rumen content analysis was used to describe the diet of the animals. A close relationship between the growing phases of dietary plants and their intake by springbok was established. Springbok show a preference for green plant material. Samples of dietary plants were collected by hand and the crude protein content, cell wall constituents and in vitro digestibility were established. Seasonal effects could only be established for the study area which was situated in the winter rainfall area. With the development of predictive models to describe dietary quality in mind the relationship between faeces, urine and rumen contents and the feeding value of the diet was established. A number of regression models were described with which the crude protein content and the digestibility of the diet of springbok could be predicted. A variety of measurements were used to describe the seasonal intake pattern of crude protein, energy and minerals. The protein, energy and mineral status of the animals are interpreted in terms of the calculated requirements of springbok and the established quality of the diet. The mineral status is compared with the prescribed normal values for sheep. The seasonal effect of diet quality and the influence of reproduction on the nutritional status of springbok, especially in the case of energy status, was clearly illustrated in case of the study area situated in the winter rainfall area. In the summer rainfall area the contrast between the dry and wet periods was of such a nature that a significant seasonal effect with respect to nutritional status could not be described clearly. A simple habitat selection model is described. This and the other results described can be useful in evaluating springbok habitat.
