Determinants of elephant spatial use, habitat selection and daily movement patterns in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The ecological role of large herbivores is increasingly recognized due to their ability to \ninfluence ecosystem functioning and their impacts on faunal and floral assemblages. Knowledge \non the determinants of spatial utilization is crucial towards the successful management of these \nspecies according to objectives set for the conservation of biodiversity. While numerous studies \nhave investigated the factors influencing the movements and habitat preferences of large \nnorthern hemisphere herbivores, few have focused on members of the African megaherbivore \nguild. In the context of fenced reserves, elephants have been implicated in the degradation of \nhabitat resulting in negative impacts on biodiversity. Using a kernel analysis approach, I \ncalculated home range size and utilization distributions for five separate herds from an elephant \npopulation in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and examined possible determinants. I explored \ndifferences in utilization intensity between herds and seasons by comparing the rugosity of \nutilization distributions. I used a utilization distribution-weighted composition analysis to \ndetermine seasonal habitat preferences within the home range and examined the factors \ninfluencing daily movement characteristics within different habitats in different seasons. \nSubstantial variation in home range size and location, utilization intensity, habitat preferences \nand movement responses was evident between herds. Spatial and temporal variation in resource \ndistribution and intra-specific competition explained differences in home range size and \nutilization intensity. Larger herds underwent more fission-fusion events than small herds, \npossibly due to resource scarcity and greater competitive interactions. Elephants preferred \ngreener habitats during the dry season and appeared to conform to optimal foraging principles. \nThey utilized forest habitats more than others, selected larger patches with high densities of \nfavoured food items and included greater proportions of common woody species in their diet. \nLarge groups foraged close to rivers in the wet season and appeared to broaden foraging choices \nin the dry season by moving further away. Restricted displacements in the early morning and \nevening suggested crepuscular foraging activity while greater displacements at midday could \nnot be explained by the need for water. This study highlights the importance of considering \nvariation in animal movements and habitat utilization in overall conservation planning and \nwhen evaluating threats to sensitive habitats, particularly in fenced protected areas.
Author: Tarik Bodasing
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1561403266