Seasonal foraging behaviour of the plains Zebra and the African Elephant in relation to the occurrence of Anthrax in Etosha National Park, Namibia
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Date
2011
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Abstract
It is generally assumed that herbivores acquire gastrointestinal anthrax by ingesting spores, hence information on foraging behaviour of ungulates can be a fundamental component in understanding epidemiology of anthrax. This study investigated seasonal foraging behaviour in relation to the timing of anthrax mortalities in zebras (wet season, anthrax peak) and elephants (dry season, anthrax peak) in Etosha National Park. Zebra diet composition and foraging efficiency was determined using video playbacks of focal animals and elephant diet quality and soil ingestion was studied using faecal analysis., P120mg/100g and CF 34The results show that zebras forage more intensively in the wet season, taking on average 3.5 bites per step in wet season versus 1.8 bites in the dry season. Nineteen grass species and six shrub species were consumed by zebras in the study areas (Okaukuejo and Halali) plains and zebras tended to eat short grass species in the wet season and tall grass species in the dry season. Elephant faecal crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P) and crude fiber (CF) was significantly higher in the wet season (CP 5.2) than the dry season (CP 4., P 80.1mg/100g and CF 49.5) and the amount of soil in elephant faeces was significantly higher in the wet season (4.9) than the dry season (0.8). It was concluded that foraging behaviour can be a powerful tool for understanding host interactions and contact with B. anthracis spores in the environment; however an understanding of anthrax transmission built around foraging behaviour alone will remain speculative until we consider other aspects of the host-B. anthracis interaction
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Keywords
Anthrax, Animals diseases, Wildlife diseases, Animal foods, Forage plants, Etosha National Park, Namibia