Consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) in a low-nutrient environment
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Date
Authors
Abraham, Andrew J.
Louw, Mattheus L.H.
Van Dijk, Laurene M.
Webster, Andrea B.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
Hyaena faeces and mineral licks represent highly concentrated nutrient resources for
leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) living in nutrient-poor environments. Here,
we provide direct evidence for the consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises in the Kalahari Desert. Tortoises aggregated at hyaena
latrines and lick sites during the wet season between 10 AM and 6 PM in groups of
1–5 individuals. Where both salt and mineral licks were available, tortoises displayed
a preference for salt. We suggest that calcium, phosphorus and sodium deficits are
likely driving coprophagy and geophagy behaviours by tortoises in the Kalahari.
Description
DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: Select videos captured during fieldwork are available to watch at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxktyA1W6MQ.
Keywords
Kalahari, Mineral lick, Nutrition, Tortoise, Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), Hyaena faeces, Artificial mineral licks, SDG-02: Zero hunger, SDG-15: Life on land
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-02:Zero Hunger
SDG-15:Life on land
SDG-15:Life on land
Citation
Abraham, A.J., Louw, M.L.H., Van Dijk, L.M., & Webster, A.B. (2024). Consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises
(Stigmochelys pardalis) in a low-nutrient environment. African
Journal of Ecology, 62, e13308. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13308.