Group Sizes of Oribis in Different Habitats

Abstract

Data collected on group sizes of the oribi ⬚Ourebia ourebi ⬚at midland elevations in Natal, South Africa, were comparedwith available data from montane (Drakensberg) and tropical(East Africa) grasslands. Mean group sizes were lowest inmontane grassland and highest in tropical grassland. In themontane areas adults occurred mainly in pairs or as singleanimals, whereas small harem herds predominated in tropicalgrassland, while the organization at midland areas wasintermediate. It is suggested that the social organization of the oribi is influenced by habitat suitability, and availability and quality of food during winter. This hypothesis is discussed in relation to the three areas considered.