Notes from a visit to Kosierskraal Game Farm (Agulhas Plain, Western Cape, South Africa) in 2001, part 1

@tonyrebelo @jeremygilmore @botswanabugs @paradoxornithidae @ish_crew @matthewinabinett @frankgaude @chris_whitehouse @karoopixie @sethmusker

On 14 August 2001, I visited Kosierskraal Game Farm, southwest of Bredasdorp (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bredasdorp) in Western Cape province, South Africa. The precise location is shown in https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/101930627.

My guide was the owner and manager, Mick J D'alton.

The location is on the Agulhas Plain (http://www.maphill.com/south-africa/western-cape/swellendam/bredasdorp/maps/physical-map/), extending slightly on to the lower slopes of the 432 m-high hill Soetmuisberg (https://mapcarta.com/19068450 and https://za.geoview.info/soetmuisberg,3361386), which forms a northern boundary to the Agulhas Plain.

The area of the property was 750 ha, of which 250 ha bad been cleared of natural vegetation. 550 ha was game-fenced, of which 250 ha was still natural fynbos (Elim Flats dwarf fynbos, still in good condition, although rather grassy). An additional 250 ha, also game-fenced, was being leased on an adjacent property.

There was an additional area (200 ha) of natural vegetation - belonging to a third landowner - on a slope adjacent to Kosierskraal, where Leucadendron platyspermum (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/589081-Leucadendron-platyspermum) was being commercially picked.

The total area for wild ungulates at Kosierskraal was 800 ha, of which about 500 ha retained fynbos vegetation.

The substrates are mainly sandstone and gravel. Ferricrete (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferricrete) was visible as a heap where earthworks had occurred.

VEGETATION

Most of this property consists of pasture of Cynodon dactylon (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/58371-Cynodon-dactylon), kept as a lawn by the ungulates (of which many of the individuals are the European bost, Bos taurus, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/74113-Bos-taurus).

Those parts that are fynbos range from fairly pristine-looking to degraded by the ungulates. Mick D'alton had found that fynbos next to pasture tended to decline, because the European bost lies on it, and alters it via the eutrophicating effects of faeces.

However, some stands of fynbos seemed in fair or even good condition, despite being routinely subjected to grazing by the common eland and the black wildebeest. In particular, in such stands I saw no evidence of weedy annuals.

I visited a population of Protea pudens (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/592534-Protea-pudens). This threatened species regenerates germinatively. The population in question had been subject to foraging by the common eland, the black wildebeest, and even the springbok (which requires short vegetation).

I also visited an area of Elim Flats dwarf fynbos, last burnt about 7 years before, that lacked proteas and was characterised mainly by Restionaceae.

I noted Erica regia (dark pink) https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/570046-Erica-regia

I also noted Erica cerinthoides, scattered but conspicuous, in fynbos still short, having been burnt on 23 December 1999 (I observed Nectarinia famosa in this area, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13300-Nectarinia-famosa).

Mick D'alton pointed out that

Parts of the formerly cultivated lands were now covered with tussock grassland of Eragrostis (?curvula, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/76850-Eragrostis-curvula), which I assume to be a fairly palatable grass, although not lawn-forming.

I observed the introduced species, Eucalyptus luehmanniana (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/883158-Eucalyptus-luehmanniana), killed by fire, but with seedlings apparent.

UNGULATES

Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus)

Although fully indigenous to Kosierskraal, the bontebok fared poorly here. A population of 45 individuals declined to 15, and never recovered.

Black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou)

This species is not indigenous to the area. However, it was present during the Pleistocene (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12687740_Middle_and_Later_Stone_Age_large_mammal_and_tortoise_remains_from_Die_Kelders_Cave_1_Western_Cape_Province_South_Africa).

Body size:
The largest male individual probably weighed >150 kg; its carcase weight was recorded as 80 kg. However, mean carcase weights here averaged: males 75 kg, females 60-65 kg.

I observed excavations made by the black wildebeest in fynbos vegetation, where the substrate was sandy.

Common eland (Taurotragus oryx oryx, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/115898959)

Body size:
A large male individual about 8 years old, killed in 2001, weighed 800 kg, with a carcase weight of 360 kg. This was considered average for this area. At 'Armskor' (https://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/bases/8/air-force-base-overberg), elsewhere on the Agulhas Plain, carcase weight reached up to 400 kg.

Reintroduction at Kosierskraal began with 1 individual from Salmonsdam Nature Reserve (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmonsdam_Nature_Reserve), followed by 5 from De Hoop Nature Reserve(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Hoop_Nature_Reserve), totalling a founder population of 6. By 1990, these had increased to 75, with 25 having been culled. Remarkably, the population increased from 6 to 100 in one decade.

In the early years, some of the female individuals bred continuously, giving birth every 10 months. Births were mainly in September (spring) and March (autumn). Males remained with the females when the latter give birth.

Females stopped breeding at about 13 years old, which is the same as for the European bost (see below).

During my visit, I observed four individuals of the common eland that were unusually dark, to varying degrees. Mick D'alton explained that one of the females at Kosierskraal, then 12 years old and near the end of its reproductive life, was 'black' (melanistic), this being inherited by some of her progeny.

In the drought of 1991, 50 individuals out of 75 died.

More recently, the population had been reduced to 13. At the time of my visit, this had increased to 35.

Wildfire swept through Kosierskraal in December 1999, followed by good rain in early 2000. The common eland (like the black wildebeest) then spent most of the time in post-fire fynbos.

It is well-known that adult males of the common eland produce a clicking sound from the carpal joint when walking. However, I learned that adult females and juvenile males also produce this sound, albeit softly.

The common eland at Kosierskraal accepted Acacia saligna as food. It

  • apparently preferred the green pods,
  • did not persecute the seedlings, and
  • accepted cut branches, the phyllodes of which had been 'cured' by lying dead for a while.

I observed a small group of the common eland in a stand of Acacia saligna, which was tall but thinned-out, and half-broken in the case of saplings 2-3 m high. I asked Mick D'alton if he had seem the common eland breaking A. saligna with its horns, and be said no. However, he told me that branches are broken somehow in the process of the young, green pods being eaten. I.e. the common eland forages roughly on A. saligna, and its attentions do not seem to benefit this plant species, but it seems incapable of breaking down and destroying a stand of A. saligna.

Mick D'alton told me of a clear record of the common eland here eating the young inflorescences of cultivated (and fertilised) Protea compacta (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/320042-Protea-compacta). The property was Waterford (https://za.geoview.info/waterford,3359604), near Hagel Kraal (https://mapcarta.com/19079848), owned by Pietman Cilliers but subsequently sold to Eskom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskom). Here, a population of 15 of the common eland had been kept together with stands of P. compacta, planted for commercial purposes. The stomach of a culled individual contained many young inflorescences of P. compacta. Pietman Cilliers also directly observed the common eland eating the young inflorescences wholesale.

Mick D'alton told me that, at Kosierskraal, the common eland ate Carpobrotus in summer. It also sometimes uprooted Carpobrotus with its horns.

I observed a group of the common eland on a patch of pasture, with Cynodon dactylon. This group included a creche of juveniles (close aggregation of juveniles is typical of this species).

In the experience of Mick D'alton, the common eland dislikes being approached in dense vegetation; it flees into open vegetation, where habituation to human proximity resumes. In other words, this species is skittish in cover, but remarkably tame in the open, to visitors in a vehicle; I observed this myself, during my visit.

Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

This species, although not indigenous to this area, fared well enough on grassy pasture and burnt fynbos at Kosierskraal.

Mick D'alton told me that he had a serious problem with predation on the springbok by the caracal (Caracal caracal caracal, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42042-Caracal-caracal and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/80090747). During my visit, I myself witnessed a carcase.

Grey rhebok (Pelea capreolus, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42336-Pelea-capreolus)

The population of this species was only 3 individuals at Kosierskraal at the time of my visit. Mick D'alton attributed this to predation by the caracal. However, I suspect some degree of competitive displacement by the springbok and the common eland.

On the mantlepiece, Mick D'alton displayed a noteworthy specimen of the hooves, 10 cm long, reputedly from an old female individual. No context was given; perhaps this individual had been kept captive on soft ground? Presumably, all four feet had been distorted in this way. This shows how rapidly the claws of this species, adapted to rocky, abrasive terrain, grow in compensation for natural wear.

Southern bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus sylvaticus)

This species was absent from Kosierskraal. However, Mick D'alton told me that it was fairly common in the thickets of introduced Acacia at Pearly Beach (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearly_Beach).

Cape duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia grimmia)

This species was fairly common at Kosierskraal.

Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis)

This species was fairly common at Kosierskraal at the time, but had been far more common previously.

Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris campestris)

This species was scarce at Kosierskraal at the time of my visit. Mick D'alton explained that the habitat was suitable, and the steenbok continued to be seen frequently outside of the game paddock. His view was that competition for food by the springbok had locally usurped the niche of the steenbok. In other words, the steenbok seemed to have been displaced competitively by the springbok.

Farmers hereabouts believed that the caracal had greatly depleted the small wild ruminants, which it prefers as prey over the domestic sheep (Ovis aries). However, it was also true that the domestic sheep had reduced the cover required by the small ruminants.

Fallow deer (Dama dama)

Mick D'alton told me that this species thrives in this area, going feral, and becoming elusive, secretive, and self-sufficient; it hides and forages in the local thickets of Acacia saligna. He emphasised that the fallow deer was as successful as the indigenous ruminants, given the availability of non-indigenous thickets.

Thickets of Australian spp. of Acacia had also favoured the southern bushbuck. I infer that any given patch of non-indigenous thicket was utilised by one or another of these ruminants, but not both.

Domestic goat (Capra hircus)

At Kosierskraal, this species

  • ate the mature foliage of Acacia saligna, particularly if cut down,
  • did not avidly eat the seedlings of A. saligna, which seem to be heavily defended chemically,
  • did not seem to eat Carpobrotus, which increased in a paddock devoted to the domestic goat.

Mick D'alton also told me that, in another paddock inhabited by the domestic goat at a low-lying position topographically, Leucadendron spp. (including Leucadendron linifolium, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/589072-Leucadendron-linifolium) seemed to survive heavy browsing.

He also told me of an experiment to see if the domestic goat could control invasive stands of Acacia saligna. This was conducted on the farm Tripolanda Trust. However, the experiment failed, in the sense that, in the paddock concerned, the fynbos was damaged to the same extent and degree as the introduced acacia.

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries)

This species, although kept elsewhere on the Agulhas Plain, was absent at Kosierskraal.

European bost (Bos taurus)

This species fared well enough at Kosierskraal, normally reproducing every year up to 10 years old. Females produced their first infant in their third year, after mating during their second year.

Culling was applied once an age of 10 years was reached. After this, production was subeconomic.

At Kosierskraal, the European bost

  • routinely ate fuzzy, low restios,
  • ate Carpobrotus in summer (like the common eland),
  • nibbled at juveniles of A. saligna; I watched an infant browsing a sapling of this species, about 1 m high, and
  • preferred to eat the foliage of A. saligna one day after this was cut down, presumably because this reduces the secondary compounds.

MANAGEMENT OF UNGULATES

Mick D'alton had not applied fertilisers to the property, although the pastures had been fertilised previously..

Lightning was the confirmed cause of wildfire hereabouts, in the summer of 1999/2000.

The common eland, the black wildebeest, and even the springbok sometimes grazed in fynbos, although the black wildebeest and particularly the springbok grazed only short fynbos, preferably where regenerating after fire. All the larger ungulates foraging in fynbos did so as only part of their foraging. Fynbos was naturally too poor for them to live on fynbos for their main or sole diet.

Mick D'alton had found that the common eland could jump the perimeter fences of the property. However, it did so only under duress, and sometimes crashed through rather than jumping.

Mick D'alton, in an earlier conversation with me 16 years previously (in 1985) reported the following birthing times at Kosierskraal:

black wildebeest December (summer)
bontebok September (spring)
common eland mainly in spring, but year-round to some extent
springbok year-round with some concentration in autumn and spring

Nutrient deficiencies:

Copper-deficiency was known to be a regional problem for ungulates. Therefore, Mick D'alton put out a copper-based lick block.

However, none of the ungulates ever accepted any lick block.

Mick D'alton recorded no geophagy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geophagia) here, but osteophagy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteophagy) was frequently recorded.

One of the most significant findings at Kosierskraal was that the black wildebeest fares unexpectedly well in this example of the Fynbos biome. Mick D'alton confirmed that, in Elim Flats dwarf fynbos, the black wildebeest seemed to be eating a wide variety of fynbos plants - in contrast to any notion that is a specialised grazer.

Drought:

A drought had occurred 10 years previously, in 1991. So little grass was available that the European bost could not survive. However, no food supplements whatsoever were given to any of the ungulate species.

Both the black wildebeest and the common eland lost condition, despite being given sufficient water. Both were foraging mainly in the same areas (with diets consisting partly of fynbos plants), as opposed to being segregated.

However, the black wildebeest survived the drought with few losses (only 2 of a population of 40, compared to 50 of 75 for the common eland, and 30 of 45 for the bontebok).

Most individuals of the common eland died in the drought, despite having access to Acacia saligna. Contrary to expectations based on indigenous status, the black wildebeest fared better during the drought than did the common eland.

Both species became susceptible to parasites under stress; the black wildebeest was not necessarily more resistant than the common eland to parasites.

The bontebok, too, fared poorly during this drought. It suffered from parasites.

Weedy plants, indigenous and introduced:

Moraea (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=48632&taxon_id=82937&view=species), in flower, was common in Elim Flats dwarf fynbos at Kosierskraal.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=48632&taxon_id=82937&view=species
Mick D'alton had found that the use of bushcutters in fynbos seemed effective in controlling Acacia saligna. Consumption of A. saligna by ungulates, alone, had not prevented infestation by this woody weed.

I observed belts of Eucalyptus luehmanniana, the trees being about 10 m high, that had been killed by fire. Seedlings were abundant in the burnt tracts. However, this species did not seem to spread beyond drainage lines.

OTHER ANIMALS

Termite-eating mammals:

The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) had recently become common hereabouts.

The aardwolf (Proteles cristatus, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1306005-Proteles-cristatus) had been present about 8 years previously. Mick D'alton recorded three individuals (an adult plus two juveniles) as road-killed simultaneously on a road adjacent to his property. By the time of my visit, this species seemed to have disappeared from the area.

However, as I write, I note that there is a recent observation of a road-killed specimen in the immediate vicinity of Kosierskraal (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/79498114).

Mick D'alton reported having previously observed a road-killed specimen of the aardwolf at Akkedisberg Pass (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akkedisberg_Pass).

Had there been some competitive displacement of the aardwolf by the bat-eared fox? And, if so, was this perhaps partly owing to a recent (undetected) invasion by Hodotermes mossambicus?

Birds:

Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The ostrich was absent from Kosierskraal. However, I note that this species is present today, in this immediate area (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/33745752 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26587578).

Fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis adsimilis, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/8268-Dicrurus-adsimilis)

I watched this species attending a group of 4 of the common eland, standing on the ground next to the hooves, and flying up to land on the withers. Mick D'alton told me he had observed this species flying up between the legs to pick something off the skin, without perching. (The fork-tailed drongo seems to act partly as an oxpecker here, not just taking insects disturbed by the ungulate, but actually taking invertebrates associated with the animal, including directly off its body.) Then, as we watched, this happened in front of us.

Blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144286-Anthropoides-paradiseus)

I observed this species on an extensive anthropogenic lawn, now dull green during a relatively dry spell, of Pennisetum clandestinum and Cynodon dactylon, maintained entirely by the European bost and the reintroduced ruminants.

Insects:

Snouted harvester termite (Trinervitermes trinervoides)

I observed large termitaria (1 m high) of this species of grass-harvesting termite in Elim Flats dwarf fynbos, including in the vicinity of Protea repens (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/355849-Protea-repens and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/141358640). At the time, I wondered whether it harvests mainly Restionaceae (and Cyperaceae) in fynbos; today, I still do not know.

Mick D'alton told me that fires in Elim Flats dwarf fynbos are intense enough - despite the low stature of this type of fynbos - that the termitaria of T. trinervoides subsequently collapse. I noted that a collapsing, fragile termitarium consisted of sandy clay loam, soft and brittle.

He also mentioned that the domestic bost had a habit of rubbing on the termitaria, thus destroying them. Removal of this species of livestock from a paddock allowed the number of termitaria to increase.

I observed an old, abandoned termitarium of T. trinervoides. Excavating this, I found large, robust roots of Acacia saligna reaching up through it. The accompanying odour was strong, resembling cut onions. This observation suggests that the material of the termitarium is richer in nutrients than the surrounding topsoil.

to be continued in https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/milewski/81291-notes-from-a-visit-to-kosierskraal-game-farm-agulhas-plain-western-cape-south-africa-in-2001-part-2...

Publicado el 30 de mayo de 2023 por milewski milewski

Comentarios

@milewski @tonyrebelo Is the game farm still there and functioning well ? Could there be a collection project for the game farm made, or is there one already ? Is there a map of the farm on iNaturalist ? Are the owners of the farm, staff and visitors using iNaturalist to record observations on the farm ? This journal entry could then appear on the farm project.

Publicado por botswanabugs hace 10 meses

@botswanabugs

Many thanks for your comments and suggestions. Kosierskraal is now partly devoted to the quagga re-breeding project, as well as presumably domestic livestock. I cannot know if the wild ungulates remain. Mick D'alton does not seem to use iNaturalist. Perhaps Ismail Ebrahim (@ish_crew) can comment on the accessibility of Kosierskraal to the public nowadays.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

Martin V Fey (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HMMls38AAAAJ&hl=en) told me, on 25 October 2001, that he had observed the adaptation of Leucosidea sericea (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/489282-Leucosidea-sericea) to browsing by Taurotragus oryx oryx, in the Drakensberg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakensberg) in Kwazulu-Natal.

The plants had a hedged growth-form, indicating palatability to the common eland.

The following seem to show partial hedging of L. sericea (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/165485449 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/106793558 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/41226182 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22486694).

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

As Mick D'alton drove me around Kosierskraal for the few hours of my visit, we saw plenty of evidence for what might be called an 'exercise-excuse' syndrome in gregarious ungulates - in this case the common eland, the black wildebeest, and the springbok.

In fact, every group - except for two groups of the common eland - that we passed went through the following routine.

The animals ran far and fast, despite there being no threat whatsoever in our arrival. They seemed to be taking the opportunity for excitement and exercise. The black wildebeest, in particular, behaved in a vigorous and bouncy way, perhaps somewhat analogous to stotting.

Since first recognising the 'exercise-excuse' syndrome', decades ago, I have noticed it repeatedly in many places, where the ungulates are habituated to tourist vehicles, yet flee - and often in parallel to the road, rather than away from it.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

dear @milewski 'exercise-excuse syndrome ? dancing for joy because their pan had been recently filled with water ? or fear of drone ? What do you think of this wonderful film. https://web.facebook.com/gerritpieter.goosen/videos/587219919561154?idorvanity=1293442341405105

Publicado por botswanabugs hace 10 meses

@botswanabugs Many thanks, but I'm afraid I did not find any clickable video in the link you provided.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

@milewski very sorry ! I think you have to join this interesting Botswana Facebook group first.

https://web.facebook.com/groups/1293442341405105

Publicado por botswanabugs hace 10 meses
Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

In August 2001, Ken Coetzee (https://www.conservationmanagementservices.co.za/profile.php) told me the following about Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve (https://journeysbydesign.com/destinations/south-africa/cape-town-and-cape-province/bushmans-kloof and https://www.steppestravel.com/blog/south-africa-digging-deeper-in-the-cederberg/ and https://mammothsafaris.com/2012/04/26/sublime-escape-to-wild-mountains-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve/ and https://bushmanskloof.co.za/ and https://www.scottdunn.com/south-africa/hotels/bushmans-kloof), which is comparable to Kosierskloof in that it too has reintroduced/introduced large ungulates to a formerly farmed property in fynbos vegetation.

As at Kosierskraal, this had been successful despite the fact that no supplementation by means of 'lick blocks' had been operative. The animals had not been much affected by a drought that severely affected domestic livestock on nearby farms. Far from finding fynbos uninhabitable, the large ungulates had exerted considerable effects on this vegetation by foraging in it.

As at 2001, there was a large, thriving population of the common eland (Taurotragus oryx oryx, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/12570084 and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/137719146).

The red hartebeest (Alcelaphus caama, https://www.alamy.com/red-hartebeest-alcelaphus-buselaphus-caama-bushmans-kloof-private-image153101018.html?imageid=3C0A4E11-E3F0-4D24-AC3F-ED8C3FF5D064&p=28066&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and scroll in https://www.outthere.travel/land-of-our-ancestors-bushmans-kloof-western-cape-south-africa/) was also present, faring particularly well.

Ken Coetzee told me that the red hartebeest here, and in other reserves just east of in the Cederberg, penetrates semi-arid fynbos, with Protea, on sand (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/12494103). It is also prepared to enter/cross rocky terrain.

The Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra) had been reintroduced, and was thriving.

The gemsbok (Oryx gazella, https://artofsafari.travel/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SouthAfrica_WesternCape_GardenRoute_Red-CarnationBushmans-Kloof_WildlifeGemsbok.jpg and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-gemsbok-oryx-gazella-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-south-africa-71186148.html?imageid=EEA08BDE-50B0-4CF6-BFA0-54E3CA4ED05B&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0) and the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou, https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/117829975) had been introduced, despite this not being their natural habitat. The latter species was associated - as at Kosierskraal - with cleared lands now covered with Cynodon dactylon (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-black-wildebeest-connochaetes-gnou-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71185930.html?imageid=8263ACA8-21EC-4ECF-99E8-B28C7200DCEE&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-black-wildebeest-connochaetes-gnou-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71185969.html?imageid=04E277B4-1497-4DB0-85AC-E08DFC7213CA&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0).

The bontebok (https://www.alamy.com/bontebok-damaliscus-pygargus-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-private-image151590060.html?imageid=C7EDFB32-E80E-4FAE-A77B-531193D6C24D&p=28066&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-bontebok-damaliscus-pygargus-pygarus-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71186301.html?imageid=2B8C2215-197F-47CE-99B5-628FFEC0ACB6&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-bontebok-damaliscus-pygargus-pygarus-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71186273.html?imageid=73990B6C-D822-4331-9A71-EF6FB2D2F763&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0) had been introduced, and depended on lawn of Cynodon dactylon (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/117829979). Unfortunately, I lacked the presence of mind to ask Ken Coetzee whether he thought that the black wildebeest had partly usurped the niche of the bontebok.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

Equus zebra at Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve:

https://www.alamy.com/cape-mountain-zebra-in-bushmans-kloof-reserve-cedarberg-western-cape-image5257111.html?imageid=9B19E16A-097F-4CBD-B3DC-C750CFC27834&p=12455&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-cape-mountain-zebra-equus-zebra-zebra-in-spring-flowers-in-bushman-10054880.html?imageid=C5AAFDF5-2D6B-47CF-9D8A-31C248678FF6&p=31902&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-cape-mountain-zebra-equus-zebra-zebra-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71185777.html?imageid=700343F8-DB7B-4410-8DE2-63F7355AA0FE&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-cape-mountain-zebra-equus-zebra-zebra-in-bushmans-kloof-reserve-cedarberg-74774200.html?imageid=99429897-9FEF-4C11-90D4-9E85B0596101&p=12455&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-cape-mountain-zebra-equus-zebra-zebra-in-spring-flowers-in-bushmans-25642457.html?imageid=7172E61D-C9AD-4FD0-8E8D-DAEC632934DC&p=12455&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/bushmans-kloof.html)

Antidorcas marsupialis at Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve:

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-springbok-antidorcas-marsupialis-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71186246.html?imageid=545AEA19-0BCC-48C2-9634-B4486D49A6DA&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-springbok-antidorcas-marsupialis-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71186185.html?imageid=B9127475-3082-40E0-BDBB-937114F5A160&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0 and https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-springbok-antidorcas-marsupialis-bushmans-kloof-wilderness-reserve-71186218.html?imageid=65F6B5A2-7521-4BD4-B7A9-F87F79E57EC7&p=22059&pn=1&searchId=43a33cf9eab1a5c52e2cfcfd60f6f78c&searchtype=0

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

INTELLIGENCE OF BLACK WILDEBEEST

Ken Coetzee told me, in 2001, that this species is surprisingly canny. When a helicopter arrives to capture the animals, the whole group immediately runs to the nearest rocky hill, and stands on the top, where it cannot be reached on the ground. It behaves smartly, and is unafraid of rocky terrain, in necessity.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

Ken Coetzee told me that a species of Aspalathus similar to Aspalathus linearis (https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/447656-Aspalathus-linearis) is eaten by the red hartebeest, the Cape mountain zebra, the common eland, and the gemsbok in the Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

Passerina and Phylica are also eaten by ungulates in the Cederberg.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

At both Kosierskraal and at Fairhill Nature Reserve, I observed flehmen behaviour (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flehmen_response) in the common eland.

The vulva of adult females was noticeable, partly because its pinkish hue made it conspicuous in human eyes. It was hidden by the shaft of the tail only when the latter was hanging vertically.

(The following (https://www.alamy.com/the-african-eland-found-im-addo-elephant-park-image241064261.html?imageid=02B1E430-1F51-41A5-B8A0-68FE2A877D13&p=809295&pn=1&searchId=f45bbb60027d338c38417505580c0cf9&searchtype=0) illustrates the perineum and udder of the common eland particularly clearly. Compare this with males: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-a-common-eland-standing-in-the-grasslands-of-masai-mara-national-reserve-30437118.html?imageid=A8A1295A-9A4E-4CEB-A512-5C81939D2061&p=88661&pn=1&searchId=f45bbb60027d338c38417505580c0cf9&searchtype=0.)

I did not see clear evidence that the vulva was more swollen in oestrus than normally.

I observed an individual female squatting slightly to micturate, upon which the adult male sampled the urine, making the associated prolonged grimace (http://www.photodestination.co.za/media/reviewsphotos/original/01/66/e2/eland-bull-flehman-lip-curl-by-wildlife-and-conservation-photographer-Peter-Chadwick-86-1379217545.jpg).

The following (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-eland-tragelaphus-oryx-herd-masai-mara-national-reserve-kenya-138190861.html?imageid=48E09315-920B-4000-9C10-F138FC17ED8A&p=392386&pn=1&searchId=f45bbb60027d338c38417505580c0cf9&searchtype=0) shows both the flehmen expression in males and the colouration of the perineum and vulva in females.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22603013

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

When Val Deverson established her nature reserve (Fairhill, near Stanford), she initially tried the black wildebeest. This introduction failed, because the environment (fynbos/strandveld on calcareous sand and limestone) is unsuitable. However. Val told me, on 2000, of several experiences with this species.

When the founder individuals were still adolescent, they threatened Val's dogs when the latter approached them on the farmyard lawn. Their behaviour was to snort while lowering and shaking or jerking the head. The dogs seemed to understand this body language, and halted their approach.

Testifying to the aggressive defensiveness of the black wildebeest, the utility vehicle used on the property was scratched by the horns when an individual charged the vehicle. Apparently, the group was crossing the road ahead of the moving vehicle, when one of them switched from fleeing to charging.

Val was told that, on game farms, the common eland is actually captured by driving the animals to fatigue, then leaning out of the vehicle to grab the horns, bringing them to a halt in this way. Although the common eland has been known to defend itself with its horns, there is a contrast with the black wildebeest, which seems far less reluctant to wield its horns on humans and vehicles.

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

@koosretief

Puttick G and Glyphis J (1980) Herbivory studies in a strandveld community. Unpublished, CSIR/Zoology Dept, University of Cape Town.

This study found that even bambis eat Restionaceae, in the form of flowering/fruiting heads.

The study subjects were two individuals each of Raphicerus campesris campestris and Raphicerus melanotis, hand-reared at Tygerberg Zoo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tygerberg_Zoo).

These authors released these individuals into an enclosure in natural vegetation near the coast, just north of Cape Town, and observed their diet. Sylvicapra grimmia grimmia was presumably already present.

A wide range of growth-forms was eaten, including Restionaceae (mainly the heads).

The following data were collected by observing signs on the plants, not by observing foraging directly.

The values refer to summer/autumn/winter.

Restionaceae 92/89/92
Herbs, forbs, annuals, and vines 105/56/23
Fine leaf shrubs 90/316/191
Broad-leaf shrubs 50/148/177
Thorny and succulent plants 84/196/172

My commentary:
The flowering/fruiting heads of Restionaceae were taken relatively frequently in summer, when other items (probably mainly green shoots) from perennial plants were taken relatively infrequently.

(Also see section 5.2 in https://www.capebirdclub.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cbc-table-bay-nature-reserve-quarterly-report-october-december-2018.pdf.)

Publicado por milewski hace 10 meses

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