Browsing by Author "Bowland, Anthony Ernest."

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The ecology and conservation of blue duiker and red duiker in Natal.
(1990) Bowland, Anthony Ernest.; Perrin, Michael Richard.; Melton, D.
The ecology of blue duikers Philantomba monticola and red duikers Cephalophus natalensis was studied in three lowland coastal evergreen forests in Natal. Variation in population densities, estimated with numerous census techniques and between and within study areas permitted comparisons of habitat parameters. Both species are strictly diurnal, and are active between 18 and 40% of the nycthemeral cycle. Usually a pair of blue duikers occupy a permanent territory of about 0,7ha while red duiker home ranges, between 2 and 15ha, overlap extensively with each other and those of blue duikers. Habitat quality of both species is determined by canopy cover (stem densities, spatial patterning, and, diversity of the tree and shrub layers), tree to shrub ratios, and, bedsites. The main dietary item, freshly fallen leaves, is not that of a highconcentrate feeder as hypothesised. Food appears to be abundant while condensed tannins have no influence on duiker densities. Management recommendations include land acquisition, forest ecology research, monitoring interaction with other species, genetic aspects, translocations and captive propagation.
Habitat use and feeding ecology of the roan antelope at Weenen Nature Reserve.
(1995) Taolo, Cyril Lebogang.; Perrin, Michael Richard.; Bowland, Anthony Ernest.
The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus equinus, is listed as endangered in the South African Red Data Book. A herd of nine roan were introduced to Weenen Nature Reserve (WNR) in 1988. The herd has since increased to sixteen animals. The aim of the study was to determine those habitat characteristics which influenced the preference or avoidance of the habitat types available at WNR. The extent to which the antelope's occurrence was correlated with certain habitat elements was determined. The roan preferred open woodland on gently undulating terrain. Themeda triandra was found to be the most common grass species in the diet of the roan. Cauline grass species such as Hyparrhenia spp. were avoided in the dry season. Dicots assumed greater importance in the diet in the dry season. Several management practices employed at the reserve were assessed to determine their influence on habitat use by the roan. These practices were not found to be incompatible with the goal of conserving roan antelope in the reserve.