Aspects of habitat disturbance by Cape porcupines in a savanna ecosystem

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Habitat disturbances by Cape porcupines (Hystrix africaeaustralis) in a savanna ecosystem were investigated at Nylsvley Nature Reserve by using transect line surveys for signs of porcupine foraging activities. The density of foraging diggings was significantly higher in Burkea savanna than in Acacia savanna. A significantly higher proportion of trees was debarked in Burkea and rocky outcrop savanna than in Acacia savanna. The only two species which were preferentially debarked were dominant species in the former two habitat types. Significantly more trees had roots gnawed on by porcupines in Burkea savanna than elsewhere, and the species most affected (Burkea africana) was a dominant species in this habitat type. Concentrated feeding activities in Burkea and rocky outcrop savanna by porcupines may affect the structure of these plant communities. *********** AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Habitatversteurings deur die Kaapse ystervark (Hystrix africaeaustralis) in 'n savanna e kosisteem is op die Nylsvley Natuurreservaat ondersoek deur middel van transektlynopnames vir tekens van ystervark voedingsaktiwiteite. Die digtheid van ystervarkvoedingsgate was betekenisvol ho r in Burkea savanna as in Acacia savanna. Die proporsie bome waarvan die bas deur ystervarke gevreet was, was betekenisvol ho r in Burkea savanna en op koppies as in Acacia savanna. Die dominante spesies in eersgenoemde habitattipes was die enigste boomsoorte wat deur ystervarke verkies is. Ystervarke het die wortels van betekenisvol meer bome in Burkea savanna gevreet as in enige ander habitattipe. Die boomsoort wat die meeste op hierdie manier be nvloed was, was die dominante boomsoort (Burkea africana) in die habitattipe. Deur voedingsaktiwiteite in Burkea savanna en op koppies te konsentreer, kan ystervarke die struktuur van hierdie plantgemeenskappe be nvloed.