The diet, habitat selection and body condition of impala AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS and nyala TRAGELAPHUS ANGASI in Zululand

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.