Are relatively rare antelope narrowly selective feeders? A sable antelope and zebra comparison

摘要: Animals that are relatively rare in local species assemblages commonly assumed to be narrowly selective their habitat or dietary requirements, with the latter generally assessed terms of range food types consumed. We investigated whether a narrow might help explain restricted distribution and low densities attained by sable antelope Hippotragus niger compared other grazing ungulates. Selection for grass species, its relation availability resulting evenness diet were these measures zebra Equus quagga, which generalist feeders owing hindgut fermentation system, under dry season conditions when was most limiting. Both grazers exhibited clear distinction between highly favoured infrequently accepted rejected same region, both mostly common but showed greater acceptance several less than did zebra. Distinctions evident among individual herds dependent on availability. Dietary similar overall, although seasonal trends differed depending animals concentrated more few broadened it during extremely conditions. Hence, green leaf content zebra, two at level not differ fundamentally. In particular, readily consumed tall rated as having moderate forage value. This tolerance enables occupy savannah woodlands associated infertile soils where risk predation is reduced due abundance prey. Accordingly, causes rarity may lie places factors.