Forage selection by Blesbok <i>(Damaliscus Dorcas Phillipsi)</i> as determined by point methods<br><br>Weidingspesies - Seleksies seur <i>(Damaliscus Dorcas Phillipsi)</i> soos deur puntmetodes bepaal

Abstract

The grazing behaviour and forage preferences of blesbok on the Van Riebeek Nature Reserve near Pretoria are described. Species composition of the grass component of this grassland vegetation as well as its utilisation by blesbok were determined by means of point surveys. Blesbok feed exclusively on grasses and show preferences for certain species. Their preferences on burned range differ from those on unburned range. Judging by preference ratings, Themeda triandra and Eragrostic curvula are the most important food groups of blesbok in this Reserve. Rotational burning appears to be essential in the management of blesbok herds kept under such conditions.

Die weigedrag en weidingspesiesvoorkeur van Blesbok by die Van Riebeek-naturreservaat naby Pretoria word beskryf. Sowel die spesiessamestelling van die graskomponent van die betrokke grasveldplantegroei as die benutting daarvan deur blesbok is deur middel van puntopnames bepaal. Blesbok blyk uitsluitlik grasvreters te wees en toon ook voorkeur vir spesifieke grsspesies. Hulle spesiesvoorkeur op verbrande veld verskil van di#233 op ongebrande veld. Voorkeursrangbepalings dui aan dat Themeda triandra en Eragrostis curvula die belangrikste spesies is vir sover dit blesbok in hierdie reservaat betref. Wisselbrand blyk essensieel te wees by die bestuur van blesboktroppe onder sodanige toestande.

Procedings of the Grassland Society of South Africa (1969), 4, 131