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Relative densities and habitat utilization of non‐utilized, terrestrial gamebird populations in a natural savanna, South Africa
Author(s) -
Dörgeloh W. G.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2028.2000.00207.x
Subject(s) - ecotone , acacia , habitat , geography , ecology , population , biology , demography , sociology
The objective of this study was to determine the relative population densities and habitat utilization of gamebird species in relation to plant communities, the amount of ecotone, and vegetation structure. The distribution of five terrestrial gamebird populations was monitored for 12 months in the Nyslvley Nature Reserve, South Africa. Only three species, Swainson's francolin (40.44% of the total gamebird population), crested francolin (10.41%) and guineafowl (43.94%), were found in significant numbers. Group sizes of these gamebird populations were typical for the species. The high amount of edge or ecotone (total amount of edge (DI) = 0.26), the short (9.36 cm) and evenly structured grass layer (mean Foliage Height Diversity (FHD) = 0.38), and a mosaic of open areas and termitaria thickets rendered the Sporobolus ioclados–Acacia tortilis Savanna suitable for gamebirds. The adjacent seasonally inundated floodplain was also utilized to some extent, mainly by Swainson's francolin. It appears that visibility is more important for gamebirds than a high diversity in grass structure. Also, a mosaic of feeding areas and cover makes an area suitable for terrestrial gamebirds. Of the gamebird species found in the reserve, only the Swainson's francolin, crested francolin and guineafowl populations had the potential to be harvested.