Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Foraging behaviour and vigilance of African ungulates are considered to be influenced
by their perception of predation risk. In this experiment, I tried to obtain a better
understanding of the relative importance of spatial and temporal drivers of perceived
predation risk for African ungulates of various sizes. On 12 experimental plots located
in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (South Africa), I manipulated vegetation cover, and
applied scats of lions (Panthera leo) and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). I recorded
the number of visitations, the amount of time spent on plots, the group sizes, and the
proportion of time spent vigilant of mammalian herbivores. I found that on plots with
lion and African wild dog scats, small and intermediate-sized ungulates were more
vigilant, large and intermediate-sized ungulates aggregated in larger numbers, and
species of all size classes increased the amount of time they spent on plots. In the
absence of carnivore scats, woody cover only negatively influenced patch selection of
impala (Aepyceros melampus). However, in the presence of lion scats, woody cover
was avoided by ungulates of intermediate size, while impala increased their group size
and buffalo (Syncerus caffer) spent more time on wooded plots. On the other hand,
presence of African wild dog scats did not trigger or increase any antipredator
behaviour associated to woody cover. White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), who
represent nearly half of the park’s ungulate biomass, did not respond to either woody
cover nor carnivore scats. This study illustrates how perceived predation risk and
antipredator behaviour of African ungulates is influenced by body mass and an
interaction of spatial and temporal risk factors.