Estudo da dieta do Chango (Redunca arundinum Boddaert, 1785) na época seca na Reserva Nacional de Maputo

Abstract

The study on the diet of the chango (Redunca arundinum Boddaert, 1785) during the dry season was carried out in the Maputo National Reserve with the aim of identifying the plant species that are part of the diet, the effect of phenology on the selection of plant species and determining the preference of the species that make up its diet. The samples were established in areas where the changos graze. The animals were observed from a distance using binoculars and a total of 205 squares were established, collecting information on the species that were and were not consumed, their coloration and height. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to calculate the availability and acceptability index, preference, contribution and the effect of phenology on the selection of species by changos. The statistical software version 10.0 was used to analyze Spearman correlations and estimate the relationship between the acceptability of grass species and height, acceptability and coloration, availability and acceptability, availability and contribution. Twenty-two species were found in the sampled area, of which 11 make up the diet of chango in the dry season, with 4 species (Urelytrium sp, Pycreus sp, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra) being preferred by chango. Changos were shown to be tolerant to grasses of a wide range of heights up to 80 cm, but preferred grasses with heights up to 40 cm. Plant species with green coloration greater than 50% were accepted. The availability and acceptability of forage by changos contribute to their diet.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)