Plant palatability assessment and its implications for plant-herbivore relations.

Abstract

An objective method used to assess the palatability of the foliage of woody plant species to kudus, impalas and goats is described. Observations were made on the feeding behaviour of tame animals in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in northern Transvaal bushveld. Seasonal variations in acceptance/rejection frequencies were used to assign plant species to palatability categories, allowing for the effects of thorns on leaf accessibility. Palatable species remained highly acceptable year-round, while unpalatable species were eaten during restricted time periods. The design of appropriate acceptability indices for particular animal species is discussed. Interrelationships between palatability and leaf chemistry, soil nutrient status and inherent plant growth rates are indicated.

Keywords: acceptability; acceptability indices; aepyceros melampus; animals; botany; browsers; bushveld; feeding behaviour; foliage; goats; growth rate; growth rates; impala; kudu; leaf accessibility; method; northern transvaal; nylsvley nature reserve; palatability; plant growth; seasonal variation; soil nutrient status; south africa; tragelaphus strepsiceros; woody plants