Research in the Arid Zone

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A test of the key resource model in the Richtersveld: Are goat population dynamics determined by the nature of their dry season forage resource?

Keywords

Key resource hypothesis, goat population dynamics, forage resource dynamics, rangeland ecology, resource selection functions

Location of study sites

Richtersveld National Park & Kuboes surrounds; Richtersveld, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Project description

As a test the key resource model, census data and seasonal mass variations in 500+ tagged goats are being used to assess the major drivers of herd dynamics in this stochastic environment. Animal density, forage availability, mortality factors, climate and habitat selection and availability are being modelled as potential explanatory variables.

Collaborating institutions

Rhodes University, University of Edinburgh, University of Cape Town, SANParks

Contact details

Project leader – Dr Susi Vetter, Botany Department, Rhodes University, s.vetter@ru.ac.za

PhD Student – Gareth Hempson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, gareth.hempson@ed.ac.uk.

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