Habitat selection and use movements and home range of Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki) in central Pahang Malaysia
Year: 1981
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The ecology of the Malayan gaur in the rapidly developing Lepar River Valley was investigated from September 1977 to May 1979.An adult bull, yearling female, and yearling male were radio-collared and their movements and habitat use monitored.The population was estimated at 62 animals in 7 herds during July 1978 track surveys.The adult:calf ratio was 100:24.Groups sizes ranged from 1 to 15 with a mean of 5.0.Aggregates of 2-5 and 6-10 accounted for 35 and 34% of observations, lone animals 23%, and groups larger than 10, 8%.Calves were born throughout the year.One instance of poaching of a juvenile gaur was detected.Parasites found in and on gaur were Seteria sp.; Eimeria sp.oocysts; ova of Fasciola hepatica.F,. gieantica.and unidentified nematodes; and Apponomma sp. and Boophilus microphilus ticks.The home range of the adult bull was 7018 ha, the female 5218 ha, and the yearling male 2989 ha.Home range size and configuration was strongly influenced by physiographical features.Mean daily movements for the 3 animals were 1505, 1218, and 663 m.The more important habitat use patterns of the gaur were heavy use of the man-modified habitats of secondary forests and agricultural estates, and lowland riverine areas.The adult bull and female selected against areas within 500 m of major roads and zones of very high disturbance, but the yearling male selected for both categories.A direct relationship between the creation of favorable foraging conditions and levels of disturbance was detected. Agricultural development fragmented the population into 2 groups on opposite sides of the River Valley.Feeding site examinations identified 87 species in the diet.Paspalum conjugatum.Mikania chordata.and Centrosema pubescens were important food items.Nutrient quality of forage was at or slightly above maintenance requirements, but may be lacking in crude protein and phosphorus for optimum reproduction and growth of calves.Population fragmentation, low calf recruitment, human disturbance, and habitat loss to agricultural development were identified as conservation problems.Management recommendations include: create wildlife reserves; improve gaur habitat; increase law enforcement activities; plan logging operations to benefit gaur; locate roads away from gaur use areas; close roads following logging; and leave forested corridors between separated subpopulations.Distribution ............
Source: The Mathematics Enthusiast
Author: Paul J. Conry
Institution: University of Montana
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2460938158