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The influence of primary production on a raptor community in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

K. Hustler  and
W. W. Howells
K. Hustler
Affiliation:
Hwange National Park, Private Bag DT 5776Dete, Zimbabwe
W. W. Howells
Affiliation:
Hwange National Park, Private Bag DT 5776Dete, Zimbabwe
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Abstract

We studied the breeding success and distribution of three species of eagles, four species of vultures and one species of eagle owl on two areas of differing primary productivity from 1973 to 1984. Densities of all species were lower in areas with lower productivity. Breed-ing success on both biomes was similar, the lower densities of birds on the least productive biome apparently compensating for the lower productivity. Eagles produced more one-egg clutches, laid later and reared fewer young in the period of poor rainfall, probably as a result of reduced productivity. Vulture data were difficult to interpret because abundant food at breed-ing time was created by ungulate population management throughout the entire study period. Concentrations of all species on the more productive biome, and solitary breeding on the least productive biome by a normally colonially breeding species, suggests that primary production also influences vulture densities and perhaps breeding success.

Keywords

Afrotropicsbreeding successeagle owleaglesnesting densitiesprimary productionrainfallvultures
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 6 , Issue 3 , August 1990 , pp. 343 - 354
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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References

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