Selective feeding by a megaherbivore, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

摘要: The metabolic rate–body size relationship suggests that the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) should be least selective among mammalian herbivores in its diet. However, selection plant species needs to distinguished from for parts or other features. We investigated seasonal variation utilization and dietary contribution of woody species, parts, height classes vegetation consumed by elephants Kalahari sandveld region Chobe National Park, Botswana. Only 30% 27 common were moderately highly acceptable wet season, increasing more than 50% hot dry season. Six remained mostly entirely rejected throughout year. Most browse during each season came 1 2 shrub species. Leaves leaf-bearing shoots constituted 80% material plants but only 45% cool Stem, bark, root tissues contributed component diet 94% Hence, despite their narrow large coupled with hindgut digestion enables exploit a wide range including fibrous stems, roots. Accordingly, occupy niche distinct browsing grazing ruminants.