Giraffe diurnal recumbent behavior and habitat utilization in Katavi National Park, Tanzania

Abstract

Resting behaviors play an important role in animals’ daily activities by minimizing energy consumption. Although this may be equally important to other behavioral states for sustaining life, it has not been well studied in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). This study characterized the bout duration, frequency, and age–sex class differences in diurnal recumbent behavior of free‐ranging giraffe. Additionally, it is currently unknown whether giraffe utilize shady or safe areas for diurnal recumbency, as many other animals do. Therefore, we also investigated this in the present study. Data were collected in Katavi National Park, Tanzania, during four time periods. The duration of recumbency bouts was calculated from 170 episodes, and the frequency of recumbency was determined by following 24 individuals for more than 10 h each. Habitat type was categorized into wooded grassland or miombo woodland, and habitat preference was analyzed based on 173.6 h of observations. We found no significant difference in the duration of recumbency bouts among the four age‐classes and between sexes in adults. On the other hand, calves (n = 2) rested more frequently than did other age‐groups, possibly due to differences in predation risk or activity budgets. Adult males had a higher frequency of recumbency compared to adult females, possibly because pregnant/nursing females were hindered in adopting this posture. We also found that giraffe primarily utilized the miombo woodland for daytime recumbency, likely because the high tree density reduces heat stress, and its seclusion from the river reduces predation risk.

Activitybudget and foraging patterns ofNubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

“…During the dry season, the western side of the lake, characterised by a bushed woodland habitat, was predominantly used, whereas it was largely avoided during the wet season. Giraffe primarily inhabit Vachellia woodlands during dry periods and spend the least amount of time in open grassland as also observed by Saito and Idani (2020). The bushed woodland habitat is characterised by fewer Vachellia xanthophloea trees with expansive canopies that provide more shade compared to the other habitat types (Dharani et al., 2009).…”

“…The bushed woodland habitat is characterised by fewer Vachellia xanthophloea trees with expansive canopies that provide more shade compared to the other habitat types (Dharani et al., 2009). Resource availability and diet quality are crucial factors influencing giraffe home ranges and habitat use, especially during periods of scarcity (Leuthold & Leuthold, 1978a, 1978b; Frost, 1996; Saito & Idani, 2020; Deacon & Smit, 2017). For instance, giraffe in Tsavo East National Park preferred habitats near rivers during the dry season and deciduous woodlands in the rainy season (Leuthold & Leuthold, 1978a, 1978b).…”

“…Valeix et al (2008) discovered that giraffe in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, avoided areas with little shade during hotter periods when solar radiations were at their peak. Giraffe in Katavi National Park, Tanzania, used miombo woodland during the dry season for resting due to its ample shade and capacity to accommodate larger groups (Saito & Idani, 2020). Further, other herbivores, including the giraffe, were seen to move to more open areas when wind intensity was higher for evapotranspiration-related heat loss (Valeix et al, 2008).…”

“…Giraffe can thrive in regions with scarce water resources due to their water‐independent nature. However, some giraffe choose to feed near rivers to guarantee a consistent availability of food and water in all seasons (Saito & Idani, 2020; Wyatt, 1969).…”

Seasonality in daily movement patterns of mandrills revealed by combining direct tracking and camera traps

“…Direct tracking of individual animals or groups of animals is a traditional method to estimate the movement rate (distance traveled per unit time) and day range (daily travel distance) of large mammals ( Matsumoto-Oda 2002 ; Kolowski et al 2007 ). It allows detailed movement and behavioral recording without the need for capture ( Peterson and Weckerly 2018 ; Saito and Idani 2020 ). This method, however, demands a high amount of time and labor, especially for species that require habituation to observe their natural movements.…”