Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Knowledge of habitat selection and movement patterns of cattle can be used to improve grazing planning, growth, and animal welfare in a time where climate change threatens farmers in semi-arid and arid climates. This study examines movement patterns in terms of speed, as well as habitat use, of Boran cattle in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya, using data from GPS collars. The placements of the cattle's nightly enclosures (bomas) and the habitats surrounding them are also investigated using geographic information systems. The main habitats studied are grasslands, open bushlands, and dense bushlands. It turns out that the average speeds do not vary much either during the day or between respective habitats. When it comes to habitat use, the cattle largely utilize grasslands and open bushlands. The dense bushlands are used to a very small extent, which may be linked to the dominance of the invasive plant Diamond Leaved Euclea (Euclea divinorum). 25 bomas were identified, and 92% of them were placed in grasslands and open bushlands. Bomas being placed directly on the pasture can possibly explain the non-varying speeds during the day. There are several opportunities for improvement in the study, such as validated GPS data, consistent measurement intervals, and knowledge of when the cattle leave and return to bomas.