An Evaluation of Seasonal Movement in Greater Kudu Populations - Tragelaphus Strepsiceros Pallas - in Three Localities in Southern Africa.

Abstract

With the emergence of more intensive studies of southern African wildlife in the last decade, greater emphasis has been placed on species-specific parameters useful to maaagement. Among other aspects requiring attention, the distribution of populations must be examined to establish basic requirements for the species' continued survival, and once these have been determined, the minimum ecological unit for an animal is better understood. All too frequently population behavioural characteristics are ignored as a gauge to environmental needs, and physical measurements of the habitat are viewed only from an anthropomorphic standpoint. In this evaluation of popUlation movements, various environmental factors are assessed in terms of the annual cycle, for which the species has evolved a behaviour best suited to its continued survival in present conditions. Unlike some other bovids, greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) do not migrate, but confine themselves to a restricted area throughout the year (Stevenson-Hamnton 1947). The limits of this restricted range obviously vary considerably between different parts of its wide distribution in Africa, but presumably the limits of the range of anyone population are governed by the availability of required environmental factors. Seasonal changes in range have been noted casually by several early authors on wildlife in Africa (Selous 1881; Lydekker 1908; Shortridge 1934), and most rural residents know that the kudu in any particular district are to be found in different localities