Blesbok

Abstract: (1) The blesbok has a shorter daily feeding time than the impala, associated with its efficiency as a bulk feeder in contrast to the selective feeding strategy of the impala. (2) Blesbok are less sensitive to temperature extremes than impala, which are relatively more active during low temperatures and more dependent upon shade during high temperatures. (3) Blesbok fed almost exclusively on graminoids while the diet of impala was more variable but included a high proportion of dicotyledons. Faecal protein reflected this difference and was higher in impala than blesbok. (4) The blesbok has a greater rumen capacity and intestine length relative to body size than the impala, apparently in relation to the lower digestibility of the forage it consumes which necessitates a longer transit time in the gut. (5) Water requirements of the impala are greater than those of the blesbok. (6) It is concluded that the life strategy of the blesbok emphasizes energy conservation while the impala maintains a more energetically costly lifestyle. This results in a greater dependence by the impala on food of high quality which it obtains through selective feeding and seasonal dietary flexibility. The blesbok adjusts its energy expenditure to compensate for seasonal variations in quality of its diet.

Abstract: Observations were made on the five most abundant antelopes (eland, grey rhebuck, mountain reedbuck, oribi, and blesbok) in Giant's Castle Game Reserve, a mountainous, predominantly grassland area. All of these antelopes showed positive responses to fire, feeding on recently-burnt veld ( one year since last burnt). Differences in the rate and degree of response to veld burning were observed in the different antelopes and discussed in relation to food preferences and feeding styles. Higher nutritional value of recently-burnt veld and ease of accessibility of new growth are believed to be the main attractants to antelopes. The fire regime best suited to the vegetation, antelopes, and some other animal groups is discussed.

Abstract: Impala and springbok are attracted to disturbed areas, while kudu are adaptable to degraded vegetation. Springbok, impala, nyala, warthogs, blue and white‐tailed gnu prefer short grass, whereas buffalo, zebra and waterbuck prefer taller grass. Blesbok, white‐tailed gnu and sheep are markedly area selective. Blue gnu, zebra, blesbok, sheep, impala, buffalo and white rhinoceri show a decided preference for burnt areas. During winter and dry periods springbok, sheep and white‐tailed gnu include more karoo shrub relative to grass in their diets, and impala more savanna trees and shrubs. The diet often consists of 25 to 80 plant species, but only 10 to 20 are preferred and principal forage species. The literature indicates a large degree of overlap in the browse and graze species selected by different domestic and wild herbivores, as well as in habitat preference and feeding height. Browsers select between plant species as markedly as grazers do. Carrying capacity should be determined for different se...