Abstract

Glade use by common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) was studied in five man-made, five upper natural and 15 lower natural glades in Mount Meru Game Reserve, Tanzania. Direct observations were made on glade use by each species on four different days; 200 and 300 observation periods for warthogs (mornings and afternoons), and buffalo, reedbuck and bushbuck (mornings, afternoons and nights), respectively.  Warthogs spent more time (54%) in glades, than reedbuck (38%), bushbuck (30%) and buffalo (26%).  Warthogs used man-made and lower natural glades more than expected due to food availability and lower altitude.  Buffalo used upper natural glades more than lower and man-made glades because of food availability and the presence of water within or near glades.  Bushbuck used man-made and upper natural glades more than lower natural glades due to food availability, water availability and cover. Reedbuck used upper natural glades more than lower and man-made glades because of cooler temperatures, water availability, cover and minimal disturbance from humans.  Thus, results show that glade uses by ungulates were influenced by presence of glade water and food, as well as glade ambient temperature and cover, and the amount of human disturbance.

Key words: Glades, Glade edge, forest edge, glade interiors, African buffalo, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, common warthog.

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: MMGR, Mount Meru Game Reserve; MRPP, Multiple response permutation procedure.