Tropicultura (Jan 2018)
Comportement alimentaire de la gazelle dama mhorr (Nanger dama mhorr, Pallas, 1766) en semi-liberté dans la Réserve de Faune du Ferlo Nord de Ranérou, Sénégal
Abstract
Feeding Behavior of the Dama Mhorr Gazelle (Nanger dama mhorr, Pallas, 1766) in Semi-free Range in the North Ferlo of Ranerou Wildlife Reserve, Senegal. Gazelle dama mhorr (Nanger dama mhorr, Pallas, 1766) is a Sahelo-Saharan antelope that once inhabited northern Senegal. The combination of several natural and anthropogenic factors contributed to its extinction by the 1970s. Today, it lives in semi-free range in a 1200 ha enclosure in the North Ferlo Wildlife Reserve (NFWR). This study aims at a better understanding of its feeding behavior in order to improve its management. To achieve this objective, an ecological monitoring was carried out between February and May 2016, for one week per month, giving a total of four weeks of monitoring. The results of this monitoring showed that the gazelle dama mhorr consumes tree species, mainly Leptadenia hastata, Boscia senegalensis, Guiera senegalensis for their leaves, and Acacia seyal for its flowers. It also consumes dry grass. No results were noted regarding drinking frequency. The obtained results can be used to monitor the dynamics of the populations of Nanger dama mhorr.
