Fire history and management as determinant of patch selection by foraging herbivores in western Serengeti, Tanzania

摘要: Although the use of fire as a management tool has increased during past decades in East African savannas, there is insufficient knowledge about herbivores' utilization areas with different history. We therefore examined large mammal preference for patches that differed history to test whether herbivores would non-randomly select according availability. Our study area was Serengeti ecosystem. Animals were recorded along transects at monthly intervals from May 2001 April 2006, and data on burnt non-burnt extracted existing maps. The prediction tested using chi-square goodness-of-fit test, selection ratio index patch types. results show buffalo persistently occurred patches, whereas browsers (Giraffe Kirk's dik-dik) mixed feeders (Grant's gazelle impala) often seen but also used patches. Grazer species...