Using remote sensing to explore the role of ambient temperature in determining gemsbok (Oryx gazella) usage of a heterogeneous landscape in the central Kalahari

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dc.contributor.authorTromp, Leon Rocher
dc.date.accessioned2016-01-20T12:07:30Z
dc.date.available2016-01-20T12:07:30Z
dc.date.issued2016-01-20
dc.descriptionA research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Johannesburg, August 2015en_ZA
dc.description.abstractThe central Kalahari is likely to become hotter and drier as a result of climate change in the region. These changes may result in behavioural changes in Gemsbok due to temperature induced stress, in spite of physiological and behavioural adaptations, and are likely to manifest in a preference for particular landscape patch classes. Recent Landsat 8 satellite imagery and classification analysis were used to map landscape patch classes in a heterogeneous landscape in the central Kalahari. The classification map of the research area identified 6 classes of landscape patches used by Gemsbok. Eight collared Gemsbok were tracked by satellite to monitor their movement in their respective home ranges over a period of 9 months. Gemsbok locations were plotted on to the classification map, and location frequency distributions were produced for each landscape patch class. Gemsbok home ranges were calculated using minimum convex polygon geometry, and the available patch class areas within each home range were analysed against the usage patterns of each animal. The analysis showed less preference for shade producing classes and more preference for open classes. Exploration of the role of temperature in landscape patch selection showed that temperature is a weak predictor of patch class, that critical temperature thresholds have not yet been reached, and that Gemsbok preference for pans is more likely related to seasonally available forage and reduced predation risk in a “landscape of fear” (Laundré, Hernández, & Altendorf, 2001).en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10539/19352
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.subjectLandsat 8.
dc.subjectClassification.
dc.subjectCKGR.
dc.subjectGemsbok.
dc.subjectLandscape patches.
dc.subjectHome range.
dc.subjectUsage.
dc.subjectAvailability.
dc.subjectTemperature.
dc.subject.lcshGemsbok.
dc.subject.lcshClimatic changes.
dc.subject.lcshKalahari Desert.
dc.titleUsing remote sensing to explore the role of ambient temperature in determining gemsbok (Oryx gazella) usage of a heterogeneous landscape in the central Kalaharien_ZA
dc.typeThesisen_ZA
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