Population Studies of Impala in Southern Rhodesia
| Autor: | Raymond F. Dasmann, Archie S. Mossman |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 1962 |
| Předmět: |
Wet season
education.field_of_study Ecology Range (biology) Population Zoology Biology Odocoileus biology.organism_classification Population density biology.animal Dry season Genetics Seasonal breeder Aepyceros melampus Animal Science and Zoology education Ecology Evolution Behavior and Systematics Nature and Landscape Conservation |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Mammalogy. 43:375-395 |
| ISSN: | 0022-2372 1545-1542 |
| DOI: | 10.2307/1376947 |
| Popis: | Studies of the impala, Aepyceros melampus Lichtenstein, in Southern Rhodesia during 1959–60 suggest that this species is a successional animal, favored by factors which open up forest, dense woodland or tall grassland. The highest numbers of impala have been found in areas which would be rated as poor cattle range. Impala population densities compare with those of deer ( Odocoileus ) in North America. Deer share their ranges with few other ungulates, whereas impala may share their ground with as many as 16 other species of ungulates. Impala were found to have a clearly marked breeding season with the young born during a brief period in the early part of the wet season. Ewes produce their first young at two years of age. No evidence of twinning was observed. The rut occurs early in the dry season, and at this time territorial behavior is in evidence. Age classes of impala were determined by tooth replacement and wear. Yearlings were found to comprise about 25% of the population. A shortage of young adults was noted, and a high percentage of older animals was found in the population. Females predominate among the adults, which may be explained by differential sex mortality among lambs. Data on movements suggest that impala herds occupy relatively small home ranges where the distribution of food, cover and water permits. In the absence of one of these factors, impala will move a considerable distance to obtain it. In one area movements of at least 15 miles to and from water during the dry season were observed. Information on seasonal changes in social grouping is presented. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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