Social organisation and reproductive behaviour of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger Harris, 1838): implications for captive management

[摘要] English: Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) are considered to be one of the most profitable wildlifespecies in southern Africa favoured by photographers and trophy hunters. Intensive wildlifeproduction of sable antelope is practiced to improve reproductive rate which would normallybe retarded by deficiencies and mortalities in extensive management systems. Intensivewildlife production refers to the management of wildlife in a fenced area where managementpractices such as the provision of dietary supplementation and water (throughout the year),the control of parasites and the provision of health care are implemented in order to increaseproductivity. Up to now studies investigating the effects of captivity on social andreproductive behaviour of sable antelope, have been focused on populations in zoos andconservancies where management practices are centred on conservation. Additionally, nopublished scientific data is available concerning the effects of intensive managementpractices used in the wildlife ranching industry of South Africa. The main objective of thisstudy was therefore to determine the effects of management strategies practiced specificallyin intensive wildlife production in South Africa, on aspects of social and reproductivebehaviour of sable antelope. To determine the effects of different management strategies,the social and reproduction behaviour of three sable antelope populations under differentmanagement regimes were investigated. Interactions pertaining to reproductive behaviour,territorial displays, and agonistic behaviour were evaluated and compared betweenpopulations. The success of management strategies practiced was evaluated bydetermining the reproductive rate of each population. To determine why these behaviouralpatterns were affected, differences in the activity pattern and range use of breeding herdsand territorial males of populations were also assessed. Populations in intensively managedsystems showed 100% calving and survival rates compared to a 75% survival rate observedfor the extensively managed population. Though the implementation of intensivemanagement strategies resulted in increased production, it also resulted in increased ratesof agonistic interactions. However, the occurrence of aggressive displays that could result ininjury was not abnormally high in the intensively managed populations compared to thatobserved in the extensively managed population. However, in the two intensive populationsagonistic interactions directed at immature individuals were not only more numerous but alsocontained a larger percentage of aggressive displays. Increased rates of agonisticbehaviour were primarily as a result of the provision of dry feed. Other factors that couldhave influenced the rate of agonistic interactions in both the extensively and intensivelymanaged populations included, the artificial provision of water, activities that result indecreased personal space, the rate of territorial displays and limited resources. Therefore it can be concluded that though intensive management strategies definitely succeed inincreasing productivity, in practice these strategies could adversely affect aspects of socialbehaviour of sable antelope in intensively managed systems.

[发布机构] University of the Free State