Analysis of Felis Libyca and Genetta Genetta Scats from the Central Namib Desert, South West Africa

Abstract

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 239 test the null hypothesis of no difference between means of observed day and night capture rates. The results of this test indicate that R. pumilio was significantly (p < 0,02) more active during the day than at night in each month. A Xl test of the distribution of three-day mean hourly values for the hours between dawn and dark showed no significant daytime peaks of activity in either month (p < 0,90). Thus, under prevailing conditions R. pumilio showed no tendency toward noc-turnality or crepuscularity, but displayed continuous activity throughout the day. No apparent correlation was noted between rate of capture and ambient temperature. In this study, R. pumilio appeared to become active at daybreak and to cease activity at dark. These results may have been influenced by the abundance of overhead cover on the study area. Coetzee (personal communication) has suggested that, whereas R. pumilio might be active under the cover of large bushes throughout the day, they may forage outside of this cover only in early morning and late afternoon. Thus, an activity pattern different from that observed in this study might be found in areas where cover is not so dense or widespread.