The effects of sexual dimorphism on the movements and foraging ecology of the African elephant.

摘要: Large herbivores are key components of terrestrial biomes because their relative abundance and pronounced influence on ecosystem functioning habitat structure. To manage conserve these species effectively, requires greater understanding distribution use resources at varying spatial temporal scales. Sexual dimorphism is one aspect large herbivore ecology likely to have a significant effect resource community level interactions. Elephants present an ideal test the sexual due marked body size behavioural differences. This study used location data collected over 8 year period in five different South African reserves, all which had well documented elephant populations. The reserves were relatively small «1000 km) augmented water supplies so analyses not influenced by surface availability. Results indicated that male female elephants resolve available range distinctly Both sexes shown expand ranges with increasing forage quality, however males most flexible response during periods low Females more selective than males, targeting higher quality being less destructive feeding approach. may be females' mass specific energy requirements associated smaller substantial reproductive investment. They also constrained costs group living compared independently. segregation consequence was investigated both plant scale elucidate mechanism driving separation sexes. Whilst individual preferences exist, sufficient segregate At scale, differences regard foraging duration, tree parts eaten. Further investigation involved testing recently proposed activity budget hypothesis. Males females similar daily budgets high levels synchrony, explain segregation. Instead, appeared caused social organisation, strategies divergent behaviour scale. research highlights importance considering dimorphic as ecologically distinct species. For example, majority bouts this will often heterogeneous manner, especially scarcity. Therefore, effective management population structure, size.