Social organisation and reproductive behaviour of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger Harris, 1838): implications for captive management

English: Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) are considered to be one of the most profitable wildlife species in southern Africa favoured by photographers and trophy hunters. Intensive wildlife production of sable antelope is practiced to improve reproductive rate which would normally be retarded by deficiencies and mortalities in extensive management systems. Intensive wildlife production refers to the management of wildlife in a fenced area where management practices such as the provision of dietary supplementation and water (throughout the year), the control of parasites and the provision of health care are implemented in order to increase productivity. Up to now studies investigating the effects of captivity on social and reproductive behaviour of sable antelope, have been focused on populations in zoos and conservancies where management practices are centred on conservation. Additionally, no published scientific data is available concerning the effects of intensive management practices used in the wildlife ranching industry of South Africa. The main objective of this study was therefore to determine the effects of management strategies practiced specifically in intensive wildlife production in South Africa, on aspects of social and reproductive behaviour of sable antelope. To determine the effects of different management strategies, the social and reproduction behaviour of three sable antelope populations under different management regimes were investigated. Interactions pertaining to reproductive behaviour, territorial displays, and agonistic behaviour were evaluated and compared between populations. The success of management strategies practiced was evaluated by determining the reproductive rate of each population. To determine why these behavioural patterns were affected, differences in the activity pattern and range use of breeding herds and territorial males of populations were also assessed. Populations in intensively managed systems showed 100% calving and survival rates compared to a 75% survival rate observed for the extensively managed population. Though the implementation of intensive management strategies resulted in increased production, it also resulted in increased rates of agonistic interactions. However, the occurrence of aggressive displays that could result in injury was not abnormally high in the intensively managed populations compared to that observed in the extensively managed population. However, in the two intensive populations agonistic interactions directed at immature individuals were not only more numerous but also contained a larger percentage of aggressive displays. Increased rates of agonistic behaviour were primarily as a result of the provision of dry feed. Other factors that could have influenced the rate of agonistic interactions in both the extensively and intensively managed populations included, the artificial provision of water, activities that result in decreased personal space, the rate of territorial displays and limited resources. Therefore it can be concluded that though intensive management strategies definitely succeed in increasing productivity, in practice these strategies could adversely affect aspects of social behaviour of sable antelope in intensively managed systems.