Features of habitat selection by larger herbivorous mammals and the Ostrich in the Southern Kalahari conservation areas

Abstract

A Chi-squares contingency table was used to extensively analise animal/habitat interactions in the southern Kalahari conservation areas between 1978 and 1982. The effect of changing environmental con-
ditions on the distribution of five large mammalian species (eland Taurotragus oryx, gemsbok Oryx gazella, blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, red hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus, springbok Antidorcas marsupialis) and the ostrich Struthio camelus is indicated by definite seasonal preferences. A general habitat-use pattern, whereby each habitat type was utilised at some stage during the year by one or more species, as well as a response by the different species to other environmental attributes was found revealing an ecological balance which will be maintained only if the present physical size of the conservation areas in question is maintained indefinitely.