Habitat use and feeding behaviour of the buffalo and the white rhinoceros in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

摘要: Resource partitioning by buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) was compared during the dry season in Hluhluwe section of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. High densities had been perceived as a potential competitive threat for grazing with co-existing populations rhino which have high conservation status. Feeding behaviour at different scales to identify exploitative competition or facilitation between two study species; variables considered were use grass species, height, habitat preference. No significant differences observed common grasses Themeda triandra Panicum maximum. However, resource occurred through height. Habitat inferred from interaction, since grazed heights optimal rhino. Partitioning also reference topography gradient; valley bottoms, whereas displayed an even distribution across catena. Resources abundant no evident Management area optimises use.