Geophagy by African ungulates: the case of the critically endangered giant sable antelope of Angola (Hippotragus niger variani). (7th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baptista, Sendi Lara; Pinto, Pedro Vaz; Freitas, Maria da Conceição; Cruz, Cristina; Palmeirim, Jorge M.
• Is Part Of: African journal of ecology. Volume 51:Number 1(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2012-09-07
• Subjects: Zoology -- Africa -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Africa -- Periodicals; Wildlife management -- Africa -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Africa, East -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Africa, East -- Periodicals; Wildlife management -- Africa, East -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/aje.12020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-6707

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="aje12020-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The giant sable antelope (<italic>Hippotragus niger variani</italic>) is a critically endangered subspecies with a range restricted to a small area in the Angolan plateau. It is known to display geophagic behaviour, eating the soil of some <italic>Macrotermes</italic> termitaria. The aim of this study was to understand the importance of this behaviour for the giant sable and other ungulates sharing its range. We identified termite mounds used for geophagy based on local information confirmed by self‐triggering cameras. We collected and analysed soil samples of seven termitaria consumed by ungulates, the adjacent topsoil 50 m away from each, and seven control nonconsumed termitaria. Consumed termite mounds were richer in minerals than control mounds, and both were richer than the surrounding topsoil. Sodium levels showed the greatest contrasts and were about 20 times more abundant in consumed termitaria than in controls. The amount of sodium in background soil was extremely low (9.3 ppm), suggesting that this mineral is a limiting nutrient in the range of the giant sable. These results indicate that the observed geophagic habits may be driven by a need to compensate for a sodium deficiency. This situation should be considered in the planning of the species' conservation.</p> </abstract>