DIET SELECTED BY SPRINGBOKANTIDORCAS MARSUPIALISAND MERINO SHEEPOVIS ARIESDURING KAROO DROUGHT

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Abstract
Rumen and vegetation analyses were employed to investigate the diets of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) and Merino sheep (Ovis aries) on Karoo vegetation during a period of low rainfall. Supplementary feeds (maize) were utilised by Merino sheep, not by springbok. Karoo shrubs predominated in the veld and were preferred by springbok, but not by Merino sheep. Grasses, in a state of lignification, were preferred by Merino sheep but not by springbok. A choice of some ‘less palatable’ shrubs (esp. Pentzia spp.) was apparent in the diet of springbok; palatable shrubs and geophytes were also preferred while most unpalatable shrubs were not. Springbok showed a preference for certain plant species which are considered unpalatable to Merino sheep. Variation between the diets of springbok rams and ewes is believed to be related to social structure. Findings on diet tally with the activity patterns, habitat selection and vegetation impact of the two species. A combination of springbok and Merino sheep should assist in veld reclamation schemes.