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VOL. 4, ISSUE 4 (2022)
Identification of forage plant species commonly eaten by Giraffes in two different seasons (Dry and Wet) in Sumu wildlife park of Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors
Lamaran Bala Gwallameji, Modibbo Saleh Misau, Adamu Mato
Abstract
The study assessed the feeding habit and feed quality of giraffes in Sumu Wildlife Park, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The Park was sub-divided into six sites; one plot of one hectare was randomly selected from each of the site. Direct observation and total count was used in noting the forage species consumed by giraffes. The most preferred forage species were obtained following the time spent on (5 to 10 minutes and 30 minutes to 1 hour) grazing/browsing on each forage species. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment, correlation coefficient and t-test were used to compare the seasonal feeding behaviour, while proximate analysis was adopted in determination of feed quality. A total of 16 different forage species (11 trees and 5 grasses) belonging to 6 families were obtained seasonally. The result obtained showed that Acacia albida showed the highest dry matter (83.3%) value with lowest ether extract value (4.1%). Balanites aegyptiaca had the highest moisture content (60.1%) value compared with ether extract (1.4%) which had the lowest value. The proximate analysis of moisture content of Pennisetum purpureum is higher (75.9%) than that of Mimosa asperata (64.2%) but lower in ether extract (3.9%) than Mimosa asperata (4.7%). The results of the correlation coefficient between food availability and utilization by giraffes showed a direct relationship between food availability and utilization by giraffes during the wet and dry seasons. A test of significance of the r values showed (p< 0.05) a significant and none-significant correlation coefficient for wet and dry season respectively. Further research on the nutrient contents of other plants is recommended.
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Pages:44-49
How to cite this article:
Lamaran Bala Gwallameji, Modibbo Saleh Misau, Adamu Mato "Identification of forage plant species commonly eaten by Giraffes in two different seasons (Dry and Wet) in Sumu wildlife park of Bauchi State, Nigeria". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 4, Issue 4, 2022, Pages 44-49
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