Study

Management of rare ungulates in a small park: habitat use of bontebok and Cape mountain zebra in Bontebok National Park assessed by counts of dung groups

  • Published source details Watson L.H., Kraaij T. & Novellie P. (2011) Management of rare ungulates in a small park: habitat use of bontebok and Cape mountain zebra in Bontebok National Park assessed by counts of dung groups. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 41, 158-166.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Manage vegetation using grazing by wild herbivores

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation

Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Manage vegetation using grazing by wild herbivores

    A study in 1987–2009 in a shrubland protected area in Western Cape, South Africa (Watson et al. 2011) found that following the introduction of Cape mountain zebras Equus zebra zebra to manage vegetation and facilitate improved grazing for bontebok Damaliscus pygargus pygargus, numbers of bontebok did not increase. Twenty-two years after Cape mountain zebras were introduced, bontebok numbers were approximately one-third lower (187) than at the time of zebra introduction (298). Authors suggest that zebras and bonteboks may compete for similar resources. In 1987–1990, twelve Cape mountain zebras were translocated into a 3,435-ha national park. Between 1987–1990 and 2009, zebra numbers increased from 12 to 48 individuals. Population monitoring details for bonteboks and zebras are not provided.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)

  2. Translocate to re-establish or boost populations in native range

    A study in 1987–2009 in grassland and shrubland in the Western Cape, South Africa (Watson et al. 2011) found that numbers of translocated Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra increased four-fold over 19 years. Nineteen years after release, there were four times more Cape mountain zebras (48) than at the time of release (12). In the first 14 years after translocations, 13 foals were born. In 1987–1990, twelve Cape mountain zebras were translocated into a 3,435-ha national park dominated by renosterveld and fynbos vegetation. No translocation or monitoring details are provided. Grass availability was promoted by artificial fires at four-year intervals.

    (Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)

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