2026-09-22T08:58:02Zhttps://repository.unam.edu.na/server/oai/request

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/42732026-06-27T22:01:11Zcom_11070_3406com_11070_3311com_11070_3304col_11070_87

Mfune, John K. E. Mthethwa, Nomkhuleko Vangile Helen 2026-06-24T11:11:19Z 2026-06-24T11:11:19Z 2025 http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4273 A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biodiversity management and Research The presence of artificial waterholes can alter local mammal biodiversity. Research on the impact of artificial waterholes on local mammal biodiversity and studies on the nocturnal patterns of water usage are limited in Namibia. In this study, large mammals that visited Okaukuejo and Moringa artificial waterholes in Etosha National Park were studied in the cool dry season in July 2022 to determine and compare their species richness, patterns of waterhole usage, duration of stay, and behaviors displayed at the waterholes. A total of 14 large mammal species were recorded at both waterholes. Species richness was significantly higher at Okaukuejo than at Moringa waterhole, with cape fox (Vulpes chama), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) sighted at either Moringa or Okaukuejo waterhole. Zebras (Equus quagga) and springboks (Antidorcas marsupialis) had the highest abundance at both waterholes and visited at all sampling sessions (03h00- 06h00, 07h00 10h00, 12h00-15h00, 17h00-20h00 and 22h00-01h00). This indicates more water dependence than other species and may be influenced by the diet and home ranges of these species. There was a temporal differentiation in the use of the waterholes; mammals mostly visited between 12h00-15h00 and least between 03h00-06h00. Low overlap in waterhole visitation times was observed between predators and potential prey, possibly due to predation risk. The duration of mammal stay was significantly higher at Okaukuejo than at Moringa for elephants (Loxodonta africana), springboks, and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). Duration of mammal stay was significantly higher between 22h00 01h00 at Okaukuejo, and significantly lower between 03h00-06h00 at Moringa than other sampling sessions. Black rhinos, elephants and giraffes stayed significantly longer at Okaukuejo, while black rhinos and elephants stayed significantly longer at Moringa, compared to other species. Vigilance and aggression were the most frequently observed behaviors among 13 behavior types recorded, possibly driven by the need for water, predation risk and competition for water. Behaviors occurred at a higher frequency at Okaukuejo waterhole due to higher species richness and abundance. This study provides valuable insights on the activity patterns of mammals around artificial waterholes. Repeated and seasonal observations, incorporating water quality tests at waterholes are recommended for year-round assessment of mammal waterhole use and for explaining variations in visitations, species distribution and behaviors of mammals at waterholes en University of Namibia Mammals Richness Abundance Composition Duration Okaukuejo Moringa Competition Predation Predator Herbivores Carnivores Ungulates Vigilance Aggression Etosha National Park Namibia University of Namibia Variations in the use of artificial waterholes by mammals at Okaukuejo and moringa in Etosha National Park, Namibia Thesisopen.access