The effect of stress and season on some Haematological and Biochemical parameters of three antelope species in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

Abstract

A seasonal study of some haematological and biochemical parameters of three antelope species (springbok Antidorcas marsupialis, oryx Oryx gazella and blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus) was conducted during January, April and June in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. A communal increase in two blood parameters during April was observed in all three species studied. These increases correlated with optimal range conditions. Active pursuit of individuals as well as drug induced immobilisation proved to place animals under stress influencing haematograms extensively.