Original Research

The diet of the brown hyaena hyaena brunnea in the Southern Kalahari

M.G.L. Mills, M.E.J. Mills
Koedoe | Vol 21, No 1 | a968 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v21i1.968 | © 1978 M.G.L. Mills, M.E.J. Mills | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 01 September 1978 | Published: 03 September 1978

About the author(s)

M.G.L. Mills, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
M.E.J. Mills, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park

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Abstract

Four methods for studying the diet of the brown hyaena are discussed. A combination of direct observations (of individuals Fitted with radio collars and beta lights) and faecal analysis yielded the best information. Analysis of food items found at dens was also useful, but tracking spoor had severe limitations. The brown hyaena in the southern Kalahari is predominantly a scavenger of all kinds of vertebrate remains, supplementing its diet with insects, wild fruits, birds' eggs and the occasional small animal which it kills. It is thus well adapted to the harsh conditions of this arid region where large ungulates are thinly distributed.


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Crossref Citations

1. Multi-species occupancy modelling of a carnivore guild in wildlife management areas in the Kalahari
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Biological Conservation  vol: 220  first page: 21  year: 2018  
doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2018.01.033