The spatial ecology, habitat preference and diet selection of giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis Giraffa) in the Kalahari region of South Africa
The research project was conducted within two separate study areas. The main research project was conducted in the Khamab Kalahari Nature Reserve (KKNR) in the North West Province of South Africa. The main research project only commenced after the completion of a preliminary study that was conducted on the Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate in the […]
Evaluating the accuracy of some commonly used game-counting methods
The accuracy of game counts on an eastern Transvaal Lowveld game ranch was examined. A drive count was used to produce control estimates of actual population sizes. A helicopter count was more accurate than one from a fixed-wing aircraft. Twenty-four hour waterhole counts were relatively inaccurate. Line transect counts were relatively accurate when a fixed […]
Carrying Capacities of Natural Veld in Natal For Large Wild Herbivores
Carrying capacities for wild herbivores in a variety of bioclimatic regions in Natal were examined. In calculating stocking rates, estimated relative energy requirements of the various species were used to equate species of differing size. Herbivores were grouped according to the anatomy of their alimentary canals and to the type and parts of plants they […]
The numerical status of sixteen game species in the Transvaal, excluding the Kruger National Park
The paper describes the results of a survey to determine the numbers of the following game species in the Transvaal: springbok, blesbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, gemsbok, eland, nyaia, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and squarelipped rhinoceros. The distribution of each species is discussed and the different localities of occurrence are illustrated. The growing […]
The implications of the reclassification of South African wildlife species as farm animals
The Government Gazette No. 42464 dated 17 May 20191 amended Table 7 of the Animal Improvement Act (Act no. 62 of 1998), which lists breeds of animals, to include at least 32 new wild animal species, including 24 indigenous mammals. The list includes threatened and rare species such as cheetah, white and black rhinoceros, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Genetic Markers in Wild Animal Studies
A survey is given of the work performed in the Onderstepoort laboratory on the studies of genetic markers in wild animals. The implications of using genetic markers reflecting single gene changes in animal studies are discussed. Preliminary results indicate that certain wild animal populations are genetically less variable than others, and the consequences are discussed. […]