Exploiting heterogeneity:habitat use by cattle in dryland Zimbabwe

摘要: Abstract Savanna landscapes in the dry communal areas of southern Zimbabwe are highlyspatially heterogeneous. This year-long study explores responses cattle to variation availability fodder different habitat types situated clay and sandy soil savanna zones. Low land relatively small overall area, such as drainage lines, riverine strips dambos, have highest herbaceous biomass per unit area season years both types. Browse is available all habitats, but particularly where there a low understorey shrub vegetation. Cattle feeding patterns respond this heterogeneity at landscape level. Studies foraging behaviour demonstrate that show high levels seasonal preference for particular parts landscape, notably lying ‘key resource’ with biomass. strategies (through free grazing or herding) involve concentration on these key resource switching between variety habitats forage sources, including browse. These differ seasons year. Planning livestock management should take into account importance design interventions. Policies also need ensure flexible movement highly spatially temporally variable base possible.