Forage preference of the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in a miombo woodland adjacent to Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Understanding the diet of herbivores is a crucial factor for the management of wild animals in natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to establish the forage selection by the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in different seasons in Garura communal area management programme for indigenous resources (CAMPFIRE) project adjacent to Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. The direct observation method was used to collect data on the woody species foraged by the greater kudu, where field observations were conducted to determine woody species consumed by the greater kudu at the feeding sites across two seasons, dry (September to October 2015) and wet season (December 2015 to January 2016). A total of 17 out of 38 woody species were recorded as being preferred by the greater kudu. There was no significant difference in the diversity, acceptance and availability of forage by greater kudu across seasons. The main five commonly utilized woody species across both seasons were Ficus coronata, Savanna dwababerry, Dalbergia nyassae, Gymnosporia senegalensis and Bauhiniapetersiana. Results revealed that seasonality did not have any influence on forage selection on woody species in the study area.