Resources driving landscape‐scale distribution patterns of grazers in an African savanna

摘要: In order to effectively manage and conserve indigenous herbivores, a good understanding is needed of how resources drive their distribution patterns. This study employed unique dataset test range ecological theories hypotheses on free-ranging grazers. Using aerial census data collected over 14 yr across the 2 million ha Kruger National Park (South Africa), this employs spatial autologistic regression models explore relationships that exist between eight grazer species set resource variables. It was found relating feeding guild, water-dependence, allometric scaling, gut-morphology vulnerability predation could explain most patterns observed in relation surface-water, forage quality, quantity habitat openness. All grazers studied were water-dependent occurred close permanent source water dry season. ascribed lack moisture diet during Most ruminants' significantly associated with areas high quality whereas hind-gut fermentors neutral towards quality. Average not significant predictor long-term, landscape-scale for any studied. small- medium-bodied preferred open habitats above closed habitats, probably due higher visibility lower risk. Large-bodied did bias habitats. The way which distribute themselves respect different can potentially inform management actions appropriate scales.