ABSTRACT
It is generally assumed that herbivores acquire gastrointestinal anthrax by ingesting
spores, hence information on foraging behaviour of ungulates can be a fundamental
component in understanding epidemiology of anthrax. This study investigated seasonal
foraging behaviour in relation to the timing of anthrax mortalities in zebras (wet season,
anthrax peak) and elephants (dry season, anthrax peak) in Etosha National Park. Zebra
diet composition and foraging efficiency was determined using video playbacks of focal
animals and elephant diet quality and soil ingestion was studied using faecal analysis.
The results show that zebras forage more intensively in the wet season, taking on average
3.5 bites per step in wet season versus 1.8 bites in the dry season. Nineteen grass species
and six shrub species were consumed by zebras in the study areas (Okaukuejo and Halali)
plains and zebras tended to eat short grass species in the wet season and tall grass species
in the dry season. Elephant faecal crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P) and crude fiber
(CF) was significantly higher in the wet season (CP 5.2%, P120mg/100g and CF 34%)
than the dry season (CP 4.3%, P 80.1mg/100g and CF 49.5%) and the amount of soil in
elephant faeces was significantly higher in the wet season (4.9%) than the dry season
(0.8%). It was concluded that foraging behaviour can be a powerful tool for
understanding host interactions and contact with B. anthracis spores in the environment;
however an understanding of anthrax transmission built around foraging behaviour alone
will remain speculative until we consider other aspects of the host–B. anthracis
interaction.
HAVARUA, Z (2021). Seasonal Foraging Behaviour Of The Plains Zebra And The African Elephant In Relation To The Occurrence Of Anthrax In Etosha National Park, Namibia. Afribary. Retrieved from https://track.afribary.com/works/seasonal-foraging-behaviour-of-the-plains-zebra-and-the-african-elephant-in-relation-to-the-occurrence-of-anthrax-in-etosha-national-park-namibia
HAVARUA, ZEPEE "Seasonal Foraging Behaviour Of The Plains Zebra And The African Elephant In Relation To The Occurrence Of Anthrax In Etosha National Park, Namibia" Afribary. Afribary, 28 Apr. 2021, https://track.afribary.com/works/seasonal-foraging-behaviour-of-the-plains-zebra-and-the-african-elephant-in-relation-to-the-occurrence-of-anthrax-in-etosha-national-park-namibia. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
HAVARUA, ZEPEE . "Seasonal Foraging Behaviour Of The Plains Zebra And The African Elephant In Relation To The Occurrence Of Anthrax In Etosha National Park, Namibia". Afribary, Afribary, 28 Apr. 2021. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. < https://track.afribary.com/works/seasonal-foraging-behaviour-of-the-plains-zebra-and-the-african-elephant-in-relation-to-the-occurrence-of-anthrax-in-etosha-national-park-namibia >.
HAVARUA, ZEPEE . "Seasonal Foraging Behaviour Of The Plains Zebra And The African Elephant In Relation To The Occurrence Of Anthrax In Etosha National Park, Namibia" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 23, 2024. https://track.afribary.com/works/seasonal-foraging-behaviour-of-the-plains-zebra-and-the-african-elephant-in-relation-to-the-occurrence-of-anthrax-in-etosha-national-park-namibia