Climate and the food habits of ungulates on Galana Ranch

Summary Vegetation communities and the climate during the study are described for the ranch. From 1970 to 1972 feeding observations were made during 21 months on semi‐domesticated buffalo, eland and oryx and on cattle using the feeding minutes technique. The animals were observed in three plant communities as follows: (1) riverine vegetation with eroded slopes; (2) a catena of dry grassland and bushed woodland on grey and red soils; (3) moist coastal bush with grassland patches. Observations included periods of high and low rainfall in each community although these were irregular. Plant samples from the more common species were collected at intervals for chemical analysis. Early in the plant growth period all species graze within the grass/herb layer. As the grass matures eland gradually concentrate on browse plants while the other species continue to graze and to browse a little. When deciduous browse plants lose their leaves eland rely on evergreen shrubs. Annual and drought‐tolerant perennial grasses form the main diet of oryx while buffalo and cattle both eat bulky perennial grasses. Analyses of browse leaves show that during dry periods they are comparatively rich in protein when compared with grasses. The requirements of eland for protein rich food explain why they migrate over the ranch and do not do well when restricted. The possible influence of irregular rainfall on the eland population is discussed. The oryx is the smallest of the three grazers and therefore able to be more selective. The annuals which they eat form standing hay which is fairly nutritious, while their small mouths permit selection of protein‐rich parts of perennial grasses. Cattle and buffalo require large quantities of feed which may be of poor quality. Their large mouths are unable to select the protein‐rich parts of perennial grasses and this puts them at a disadvantage during a prolonged drought.