bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EROSION TERRACES IN THE LOITA‐AITONG AREAS OF KENYA MASAILAND
Authors: Glover P. E. , Wateridge L. E. D. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryErosion terraces form a common feature of the landscape in certain plains areas of Kenya and Tanzania. Soil loss from ten terraces, and features associated with it, were assessed over a period of 13 months.Rainfall alone appeared to have little effect upon undisturbed parts of terrace faces where there was a good grass cover. Trampling and overgrazing by wild or domestic animals, with or without the assistance of rainfall, seemed to be the main causes of cut‐back from terrace faces.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE DAILY ACTIVITY OF THE WARTHOG IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA
Authors: Clough G. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWarthog activity was recorded at 4‐min intervals for continuous periods of 14 h on three consecutive days. The major activities were feeding or lying down and walking. The amount of time spent in feeding is related to the size of the animal and maximum‐intensity feeding occurs in the early morning and in the late afternoon and evening. The animals drank usually only once each day. Adult females urinate much more often than males and this is thought to be a behavioural adaptation whereby the males can tell whether or not a female is in heat.
THE REACTION OF A GROUP OF ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE TO A NEW ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Evam E. M. Nesbit 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe behaviour of a translocated group of 11 Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi Lydekker) was studied for 9 weeks in 1968. A comparison was made between their new and former habitats, the food plants eaten in both places, and behaviour.For 3 1/2 months after release, they appeared to have settled in the area, but they suddenly started extending their range.Possible reasons are suggested for their failure to stay in the release area and their eventual disappearance.
USE OF MINERALISED WATER BY KALAHARI WILDLIFE AND ITS EFFECTS ON HABITATS
Authors: CHILD GRAHAM , PARRIS RICHARD , RICHÉ ELIAS LE 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThis study surveyed the use made by springbok, hartebeest, wildebeest and gemsbok, in particular, of mineralised artificial waterholes along the Nossob river in the southern Kalahari and the effects of this use on the delicate surrounding habitats, as a basis for evaluating the uses and limitations of such water in the management of these species. Taking into account the chemical composition of the dissolved salts in the water; the status of the vegetation and conservation trends near water holes; the relative use made of the waterholes by the antelopes; and land use history, it was concluded that: (a) the animals made regular use of the water, some of which was more mineralised than that recommended for domestic stock, including sheep; (b) there was no relationship between the total dissolved salts and animal use, although there may have been some association between gemsbok use and certain ions; (c) wildlife attracted to boreholes had very little effect on the stability of some surrounding habitats, but may have retarded recovery in areas downgraded by past land use, and (d) under these circumstances the effects of this land use were still amply evident after 21/2 decades.From this and other evidence, it is suggested that, at the present level of knowledge, mobile wildebeest populations can be stabilised by the provision of relatively potable water, and mineralised water may be used to raise the levels of springbok, hartebeest and gemsbok populations. However, as the water is less of a limiting factor than for species requiring regular drinking water, the increase in density may be relatively limited and so less of a danger to the maintenance of surrounding habitats.
Population structure of olive baboons (Papio anubis (J. P. Fischer)) in the Laikipia District of Kenya
Authors: BERGER MICHAEL E. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA study of the population structure of olive baboons {Papio anubis (J. P. Fischer)) was conducted near Rumuruti and Nanyuki in the Laikipia District of Kenya during 1969. The overall male: female ratio was 96:100 for all animals captured. The sex ratio of immature baboons favoured males, while adult females outnumbered adult males. Male baboons demonstrated an increased mortality during the juvenile stage primarily due to exploratory behaviour. Female baboons demonstrated an increased mortality incurred during the first pregnancy or birth early in the adult stage. About 50 % of adult females had an infant offspring, while about 75% had a juvenile offspring. Adult female baboons in their native environment produce an offspring every 2.5‐3.0 years. No birth peak was discernable and births occurred throughout the year.
Growth of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: HANKS J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe three‐stage desk calculation of the von Bertalanffy equation to describe growth in height and weight with age in the elephant is compared with a new approach to calculating the three coefficients in the function by a computer. The two methods give different results with respect to the weight/age calculations. Theoretical von Bertalanffy equations calculated by both methods to describe growth in height and weight with age in the African elephant in Zambia are compared with previously published equations for the elephant in East Africa.Details are given of growth in height in two known‐age African elephants, a female ‘Diksie’ and a male ‘Kartoum’. Theoretical growth in height curves for the female African and Asiatic elephant are compared. The coefficients K and / for growth in height are not transferable to the growth in weight equations.Inherent inaccuracies in the calculation of the coefficients in the von Bertalanffy equation are discussed, and it is concluded that in animals which have a long life‐span such as the elephant, the equation serves as a purely empirical representation of weight‐at‐age data and that there is little biological significance in the parameters it contains. The computer‐calculated curves give the best fit to the data. The regression of log age on log shoulder height from 2–20 years of age provides a more realistic approach to comparative growth studies.The increase in adrenal weight with age is linear.Tusk growth in relation to age and sex in Zambia is compared with East Africa. It is concluded that the tusks in Zambia are smaller and are more difficult to sex correctly than their East African counterparts, possibly a consequence of the Zambian elephant having a greater degree of tusk wear.Allometric growth is described with emphasis on the estimation of body weight from shoulder height. The most reliable estimates are obtained from a purely empirical representation of the data, a semilog plot of log body weight on shoulder height.
Age determination of the African buffalo, Syncerus caffer Sparrman
Authors: GRIMSDELL J. J. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryAge criteria for the African buffalo are described. These are based on the tooth eruption sequence and on wear of the first molar. Assignment of absolute ages to the tooth eruption and wear classes has been made by reference to known‐age animals and to numbers of cementum lines in tooth sections. For ageing animals to the nearest year, the normal degree of accuracy of the methods is assumed to be about ± 1/2year (1–5 years of age); about ± 1 year (5–15 years of age); and about ±2 years (15‐20years of age). A field method of age determination is presented based on horn characteristics and relative body size.
Energy budget of the lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor Geoifroy)
Authors: PENNYCUICK C. J. , BARTHOLOMEW G. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA lesser flamingo's energy surplus, which is defined as the net rate at which it gains chemical energy (averaged over 1 or more whole days) is calculated by estimating the rate at which it filters algae from the water, and then subtracting the energy needed to pump water through the filter, and that expended on general metabolism.From the assumptions made, it follows that a flamingo should be able to make a positive energy surplus if the food concentration exceeds about 0–12 kg dry matter per m3 of water, and if it spends 80% of its time feeding. During incubation, however, less than half the total time can be spent feeding, and in this case the food concentration would need to be at least 0–25 kg/m3. About 2 days would be required to produce an egg at this concentration, and less than 1 day at the highest concentrations observed.
A review of ivory exploitation and elephant population trends in Africa
Authors: SPINAGE C. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA brief review of published data is presented, outlining the intensive exploitation of African elephants for ivory. Records suggest that this began in the early seventeenth century in western Africa, and that hunting pressure was sufficient to eliminate, or drive out, populations over wide areas. In eastern Africa intensive exploitation ensued between 1840 and 1890, leading to a sudden collapse of the ivory supply from over‐exploitation. Subsequent protection has apparently enabled surviving elephants to enter an exponential phase of population increase. Elephant population cycles, if they can be shown to have occurred, are probably reflections of over‐exploitation, followed by population recovery when hunting was no longer profitable. If cycles of scarcity and abundance were a natural feature of elephant populations, then they could have been masked by the intensity of hunting.
Density, distribution, population structure and social organization of the black rhinoceros in Masai Mara Game Reserve
Authors: MUKINYA JOHN G. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryBlack rhinoceros were studied in the Masai Mara Game Reserve from May 1971 to August 1972. Data were gathered on their density, distribution, population structure, social organization, feeding habits and daily activities.The study area, its vegetation, and the study methods are described briefly. Rhino occupied thirteen separate distribution areas, their distribution being influenced by food availability, water, cover and the presence of human and domestic animals. The number of rhino in each distribution area were within the range of one to thirty‐one (densities 0–04 to 0–24/km2), giving a mean density in the rhino‐occupied area (749 km2) of 0–14/km2 and in the whole study area (1530 km2) of 0–07/km2.Of the 108 rhino in the population, 73% were adult and 27% were immature. At least one adult and one immature were found in nearly all distribution areas. Adult rhinos formed one age class while the immatures were divided into three age classes. Sex ratio and mortality were investigated.Social units and their home range sizes in relation to density and distribution are discussed. Some aspects of social organization, feeding habits and daily activities will be discussed in a later paper.In conclusion, recommendations for rhino management based on preservation of habitat, particularly cover, more sources of water and human settlement are discussed. Suggestions for further lines of research are also discussed.
Seronera bull problem: The trees
Authors: CROZE HARVEY 
Published: April 2008

Summary(1) The impact of groups of bull elephants on the wooded–grassland of the Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, is examined.(2) Elephant use of trees occurs contagiously. At use loci in the woodlands, removal of canopy–forming acacia has been as high as 6% per annum.(3) However, from a survey of the whole Seronera woodland community, the loss of large trees has been 2–5% per annum.(4) It is argued that the regeneration potential is adequate to compensate loss due to elephant activity, and that large acacia will not disappear because of elephants.(5) Management action is discussed and recommendations made.
Seasonal variation in water turnover by oryx and eland on the Galana Game Ranch Research Project
Authors: KING J. M. , KINGABY G. P. , COLVIN J. G. , HEATH B. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMeasurement of total body water and water turnover was based on the single injection dilution principal using tritiated water.Under a daylight grazing regime the water turnover varied from 24 to 98 ml/kg/day in oryx and 42 to 121 ml/kg/day in eland. This large seasonal variation was most highly correlated with heat load expressed as solar radiation or mean ambient temperature. Lack of correlation between water turnover and dry matter intake, and low correlation with dietary moisture may have been due to difficulties in measuring these parameters accurately.When preformed water was calculated by subtraction of drinking and metabolic water from total turnover, it was found to have a positive correlation with turnover rate and a negative correlation with water drunk. Thus high water turnover was not associated with high drinking requirements in either species.The relationship between climate, pasture and water turnover, could be upset by changes in the activity of the animal from the normal day grazing pattern.The results obtained from the domestic game animals were used to explain how wild oryx and eland could exploit a hot, semi‐arid environment without drinking. To achieve this, the wild animal must obtain most of its nutritional requirements between evening and morning, and its water requirements during the period of maximum relative humidity between midnight and dawn.
Wet season movements of individual wildebeests of the Serengeti migratory herd
Authors: INGLIS JACK M. 
Published: April 2008

SummarySixteen wildebeest were marked with radio transmitters and tracked for varying lengths of time during the period between late November, 1971, and mid‐July 1972. They were repeatedly radiofixed from an aircraft prior to, during and after their annual wet season visit to the Serengeti Plain. Fix‐to‐fix tracks of animals showed that each hurried to the Plain at the onset of the rains, performed oscillatory movements over an individually distinct, elliptically shaped, fractional part of the Plain area, and departed into the woodland as the Plain dried out. Average fix‐to‐fix rate of travel approximated 3–75 km/day. Large aggregations of animals, armies, were smaller and more restless in the woodlands than on the Plain. Smaller aggregations included within armies, troops, varied in size as a function of activity. They were small when feeding and large when marching. Troops averaged larger in the woodlands mostly because they were more often marching there than on the plain. The tracked animals were equally successful in finding green forage in the presence of water in both habitats. The item in shortest supply appeared to be the presence of green forage in the woodlands and of water on the Plain. It is concluded that structural attributes of the woodlands, by lowering the security level of animals, played a part in making the Serengeti Plain attractive to the animals.
The ecology of the lechwe, Kobus leche kafuensis Haltenorth, in Lochinvar National Park, Zambia, as affected by the Kafue Gorge hydroelectric scheme. Herbage digestibility in free‐living antelope
Authors: REES W. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA method of collecting rumen fluid from free‐living antelope is presented, together with the in vitro procedure used to try to estimate the digestibility of the herbage grazed by them. Modifications to this procedure are suggested, which it is thought would allow the calculation of a meaningful equation relating these data to digestibility estimates obtained by a chemical method.
The vegetation of the Samburu–Isiolo Game Reserve
Authors: BARKHAM J. P. , RAINY M. E. 
Published: April 2008

Summary(1) Communities were identified in the field from presence/absence records of species using a form of progressive approximation. These communities were then mapped from aerial photographs of the Reserve area and boundaries were later checked on the ground. The quantitative characteristics of the communities were described in terms of cover and frequency.(2) The data were subjected to standard computer analyses and these results are used in an assessment of the validity of the original subjective techniques.(3) A hypothetical scheme is suggested which explains the principal lines of vegetation variation in terms of water availability and soil salinity. A number of related vegetation catenae may be recognized in addition to an east–west trend of increasing tree cover which is attributed to decreasing salinity along the riverine strip.(4) It is concluded that the effects of grazing and burning regimes are superimposed upon those of the physical environment and that further rapid changes in vegetation composition will take place within the next few decades.
The nutritive values of some major food plants of lechwe, puku and waterbuck along the Chobe River, Botswana
Authors: VONRICHTER W. , OSTERBERG R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe feeding preferences of lechwe, puku and waterbuck and the nutritive values of the major food plants show a correlation. Within their habitat the species show preference for the plants with the highest crude protein value. The preferred habitats of the species, although overlapping to a certain extent, prevented all three species from using the food plants with the highest protein values at all times. Puku and waterbuck, for example, utilized plants which were clearly inferior to the plant growth available to lechwe in August.
Food habits of Chanler's mountain reedbuck in a Rift valley ranch
Authors: IRBY L. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryDuring 1971‐72 contents from the rumens of twenty‐two Chanler's mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula chanleri Rothschild) collected in the Arthur Cole Ranch near Gilgil, Kenya were examined. Frequency of occurrence of monocots averaged 99.5% of identifiable fragments. Frequency of occurrence of monocots in the ground stratum of the vegetation averaged 94% in the areas where mountain reedbuck were collected. Of the 11 grass classifications (seven to species and four to genus) considered reliably identifiable in rumens, three (Themeda triandra, Hyparrhenia spp., and Cymbopogon pospischilii) were taken more frequently than was expected from their occurrence in the vegetation, six (Aristida spp., Cynodon spp., Eragrostis spp., Harpachne schimperi, Microchlva kunthii, and Tragus berteronianus) were taken less frequently, and two (Bothriochloa insculpta and Enneapogon schimperanus) were taken in approximately the same ratio as they occurred in the ground stratum of the vegetation.
Estimates of the population size of some ungulate species in the Rwenzori National Park, Uganda
Authors: ELTRINGHAM S. K. , DIN N. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryRandom sample counts were made from the air of kob, topi, warthog and waterbuck in the Rwenzori National Park, Uganda in 1971 and 1972. Estimates of the total populations varied widely and the means for each species were 12 301 (kob), 4932 (topi), 1530 (warthog) and 3563 (waterbuck). The kob and topi figures are considered as fair approximations to the true totals. The warthog total is thought to be much too low but the degree of inaccuracy could not be assessed. The waterbuck total is also considered to be too low and the application of a groundlair correction factor gives a total of 4454. The distribution of the animals over the park was unequal and the most heavily populated areas are identified for each species. There were significant differences between the species in their distribution over the various sectors of the park. A relationship between the rainfall and the number of animals counted was not established except in the case of the waterbuck which showed a positive correlation with rain falling in the month prior to the count. The densities determined from these surveys fell within the range of those found by other workers from ground counts.RésuméEn 1971 et 1972, des comptages aériens, échantillons au hasard, se sont effectués au Parc national Rwenzori (Ouganda) des cobes de Buffon, damalisques, phacochéres et cobes defassa. Les estimations ont varié mais les moyennes pour chaque espéce ont été 12 301 cobes de Buffon, 4932 damalisques, 1503 phacochéres et 3563 cobes defassa. On croit que les nombres totals des cobes de Buffon et des damalisques sont corrects approximativement. Cependant le chiffre pour les phacochkres êst certainement trop bas mais on ne peut pas evaluer I'erreur. Le chiffre 4500 peut etre une juste estimation des damalisques. La distribution des animaux dans le parc n'ont pas été uniforme et les régions les plus préferées sont indiquées pour chaque espéce. Les differences entre la préférence des espèces divers pour les habitats favoris sont significatives. Une corrélation entre la quantité de la pluie et les nombres des animaux n'ont ktabli que pour les damalisques où on peut déterminer une correlation positive avec la pluie pendant le mois qui précède le recensement. Les densités déter‐minées dans ces dknombrenients aCriens se confornient assez bien avec les resullals des comptages terrestres des autres chercheurs.
Weights and measures of Ugandan pelicans with some seasonal variations
Authors: DIN N. A. , ELTRINGHAM S. K. 
Published: April 2008

SummarySamples of White and Pink‐backed Pelicans from the Rwenzori National Park, Uganda were weighed and measured. The results are given below as mean values in the order of male and female White Pelicans and male and female Pink‐backed Pelicans. Only a few measurements were taken of female White Pelicans. Further details given in the Tables include sample size, standard deviation and range. Linear measurements (cm): total body length:— 177.3, 136.7, 146.9, 134.0; tail length:—18.1, ‐, 17.2, 16.6; tarsometatarsus:— 14.2, ‐, 9.6, 8.7: cu1men:— 41.8, 31.4, 35.7, 30.5; lower mandible:— 49.3, ‐, 40.3, 34.6; wing span:— 285.8, 246.4, 233.9, 224.2; wing length:— 136.5, ‐, 112.9, 105.8; standard wing length:— 70.2, ‐, 60.5, 56.0; chord:— 70.8, ‐, 35.5, 34.3; aspect ratio:— 4.0, ‐, 6.6, 6.6; weights (gm unless stated otherwise): total weight (kg);— 11.45, 7.59, 5.97, 4.92; adrenal (mg):— 647.2, 531–0, 401.2, 352.4; heart:— 100.1, ‐, 49.9, 39.5; kidney:— 40.9, ‐, 23.6, 23.4; liver:—258.2, 176.5, 128.5, 110.4; lung:— 60.3, –, 29.1, 30.0; pancreas:— 15.2, ‐, 7.1, 5.3; pectoralis major:— 731.9, ‐, 389.0, 313.9; pectoralis minor:— 51.8, ‐, 27.6, 24.3; pituitary (mg):— 40.6, 39.1, 37.4, 37.5; spleen:— 12.7, ‐, 12.3, 10.1. There was no significant difference between the species in the proportional weights of the organs. Seasonal variations were found in the weights of testes, ovaries, oviducts and fat deposits. Changes in weight of the reproductive organs of the Pink‐backed Pelican showed a clear correlation with the breeding cycle. The testes of the migratory White Pelican appeared to be inactive while the birds were in the park. The amount of fat laid down could be directly related to seasonal fluctuations in the food supply. The degree of development of the head crest was greatest during the breeding season in the Pink‐backed Pelican and during the second quarter of the year in the White Pelican. 58.6% of the White Pelicans showed traces of colouration on the breast.