Open AccessHost selection and species preference of the Red-Billed Oxpecker Buphagus Erythrorhynchus in the Kruger National Park
Author(s) -
J. H Grobler
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
koedoe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 2071-0771
pISSN - 0075-6458
DOI - 10.4102/koedoe.v23i1.637
Subject(s) - national park , host (biology) , preference , selection (genetic algorithm) , zoology , geography , biology , ecology , statistics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science
The host selection and species preference of the Red- billed Oxpecker was investigated during January and February 1979, in the southern portion of the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa. A total of 19 species of larger mammals were looked at and of these 11 were utilised as hosts. Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis, were found to be the most import- ant host and ranked well above the others as a preferred species. Published data on oxpeckers were reviewed with the view to possible translocation of the birds as a measure to increase their now limited distribution