Forage-Habitat Relations of Nonmigratory African Ungulates in Response to Seasonal Rainfall

Abstract

Four species of nonmigratory ungulates [Kobus defassa, Aepyceros melampus, Redunca redunca and Gazella thompsonii] in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, underwent seasonal shifts in foraging by utilizing 6 distinctly different forage-habitats [vegetation]. The ungulates are successful because they rely upon a wide range of food resources to cope with seasonal changes in climate. Management of the ungulates can be approached by the recognition, monitoring and maintenance of the needed array of forage-habitats. Those utilized during the dry periods were most critical.