Sexual segregation in kudu: sex differences in competitive ability, predation risk, or nutritional needs?

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

South African Journal of Wildlife Research

Volume

25

Issue

4

Publication Date

1-1-1995

First Page

127

Last Page

132

Abstract

Seasonal patterns of social organization and habitat use were studied in the kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros population of the central Kruger National Park. Habitat use by kudu cows and bulls differed significantly during wet and dry seasons. Bulls maintained a strong preference for riverine/watercourse habitat throughout the year. Cows were distributed across savanna habitat and an ecotone between hills and savanna in the wet season. In the dry season they increased their use of riverine/watercourse habitat, which is a dry season forage reserve for the browsing guild. The greatest potential for intersexual competition would thus be expected in the dry season, but in fact this was when kudu bulls and cows were least segregated. Therefore sexual segregation in kudu cannot be explained by intersexual competition.

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