Giraffe and okapi: Africa’s forgotten megafauna
The Giraffidae family includes only two living species of ungulates: the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), both restricted to the African continent. Taxonomically, the Giraffa and Okapia genera separated from each other approximately 16 million years ago (Hassanin et al., 2012), and they now exhibit as many differences as similarities. Today Okapia […]
Observations On Lactation And Milk Composition Of The Giraffe Giraffa Camelopardalis
Milk samples collected from giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis in the eastern Transvaal Lowveld of South Africa were analysed by conventional methods. Changes in the composition of the milk at different stages of the lactation cycle were noted. The prelactation secretion and milk of early lactation was considerably richer than the milk of established lactation in terms […]
Estimating the trends in herbivore numbers in the Southern District of the Kruger National Park
Census data over several years of survey were utilized to develop a sampling strategy in which the species totals for both abundant and rare herbivore species can be estimated should aerial sample surveys be conducted. Correspondence analysis is used towards the development of this sampling strategy. The study pertains to the Southern District of the […]
Population dynamics of the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) in Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem
Demographic studies can show overall population performance, help understand population structure and recognize animal distribution and movement. In order to investigate the social structure of giraffes in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem, data on population structure, sex ratios, age ratios and habitat preference were examined in three protected areas. These areas included Lake Manyara National Park, Manyara […]
Systematic aerial sample survey of Laikipia county, April 2016 Preliminary Report
A systematic aerial sample survey of Laikipia County (9666km2) was carried out in April 2016 by Kenya’s Directorate of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing survey teams in partnership with Laikipia Wildlife Forum and Mpala Research Centre, with funds from US AID. This report presents the preliminary results as a basis for use by management and […]
The behaviour and dietary preferences of southern giraffe (giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) on the umphafa private nature reserve, kwa-zulu natal
The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) has been severely neglected among the scientific community in terms of research. This investigation explores their behavioural patterns with focus on feeding behaviours and dietary preferences under influencing factors, which provides vital information for conservation in situ and population management ex situ. The behaviour and dietary composition of nine Southern Giraffe […]
Diet and seasonal dispersal of extralimital giraffe at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Little Karoo, South Africa
South African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) have been introduced as an extralimital species to private farms in the Little Karoo on the basis of economic sustainability, and the need to create a competitive tourism product. However, little is known about the medium- to long-term impacts and ecological sustainability of such introductions. The diet of a […]
Feeding behaviour of lions (Panthera leo) on a small reserve
The prey selection and predatory behaviour of a single pride of lions (Panthera leo) was studied in the 8500 ha Karongwe Game Reserve from 1999–2005. The study focused on the difference between prey selection in the first three years when a two-male coalition was present with a similar period thereafter when one of the males […]
Body size and habitat as determinants of tick infestations of wild ungulates in South Africa
The purpose of the present work was to test the hypothesis that the intensity of tick infestation on South African wild ungulates is proportional to surface area of the host (body weight 0.67} and to assess the role of habitat preference on the intensity of infestations. The results support previous suggestions that larger ungulates are […]
Utilisation and aspects of management of the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
The Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve, Orange Free State, is briefly described, and aspects of management and utilisation with particular reference to game animals are discussed. Habitat management is the one aspect needing a great deal more attention and it would appear that the capture of game for live sale and relocation is a satisfactory way […]