How does land use affect the relative abundance of two mesopredators in the, Eastern Cape, South Africa?
Date
2014-09
Authors
Parker, D. M., speaker
Kok, A. D., speaker
Perry, T. W., speaker
van Hoven, Wouter, moderator
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, producer
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Livestock pastoralism and game ranching are the two dominant land use types in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and conflict between humans and medium sized carnivores is widespread. In this study, we used 12 spatially explicit (3 x 3) trail camera grids (3600ha), to assess the relative abundance indices (RAI) of two common predators; black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and caracals (Caracal caracal). Camera grids were equally distributed across the two land use types. Over 19121 trap nights, 726 photographs of black-backed jackals and 81 photographs of caracals were taken. The RAI of jackals was significantly higher on game ranches than livestock farms (U = 109; df = 1; p < 0.05). In contrast, the RAI of caracals was similar on the two land use types (U = 73; df = 1; p > 0.05). While the two mesopredators are actively removed by managers on both land-use types, removal rates are higher on livestock farms than game ranches. Thus, monogamous, pair-bonded black-backed jackals may be more sensitive to the effects of predator control than solitary caracals. The merits of predator removal as a conflict mitigation strategy are discussed.
Description
Moderator: Wouter van Hoven.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Presenter: Armand Kok.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Presenter: Armand Kok.
Rights Access
Subject
Wildlife management -- Congresses
Range management -- Congresses