Decorum in nature: impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) dung middens follow spatial point patterns in Mukuvisi Woodland, Zimbabwe

Guided by the Optimum Foraging Theory,the Avoidance Concept, and assuming that the impala Aepyceros melampus melampus defecate purposevely at dung middens, we hypothesized that the impala's dung midden locations do not: (1) follow complete spatial randomness; (2) cluster along park tracks; and...

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Published in:Geology, ecology, and landscapes ecology, and landscapes, 2023-02, Vol.ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), p.1-8
Main Authors: Tagwireyi, Paradzayi, Muhoyi, Hardlife, Ndaimani, Henry, Mpakairi, Kudzai Shaun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
complete spatial randomness
G(r) function
Gcross function
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Summary:Guided by the Optimum Foraging Theory,the Avoidance Concept, and assuming that the impala Aepyceros melampus melampus defecate purposevely at dung middens, we hypothesized that the impala's dung midden locations do not: (1) follow complete spatial randomness; (2) cluster along park tracks; and (3) cluster along the waterways. Using geolocation data for all impala dung middens in the Mukuvisi Woodland, Zmbabwe, the G(r) function revealed a clustered pattern at 0-100 m. Additionally, the 2 nd Order Gcross function showed evidence of spatial aggregation of dung middens to within 25 m of park tracks, but no evidence of spatial aggregation between impala dung middens and waterways. Our findings give insight into possible evolutionary decorum for optimum olfaction, energy-saving, disease,pest avoidance, and contamination avoidance.
ISSN:2474-9508
2474-9508
DOI:10.1080/24749508.2023.2178113