Consumption of hyaena faeces and artificial mineral licks by leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) in a low-nutrient environment

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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

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.