干旱区生态环境知识资源中心(Arid): Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert

Arid

DOI	10.3390/ani13040567
	Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert
	Javier Herrera-Sanchez, F.; Lopez, Omar; Rodriguez-Siles, Javier; Angel Diaz-Portero, Miguel; Arredondo, Angel; Manuel Saez, Juan; alvarez, Begona; Cancio, Inmaculada; de Lucas, Jesus; Perez, Joaquin; Valenzuela, Gerardo; Martinez-Valderrama, Jaime; Sanchez-Cerda, Mariola; Qninba, Abdeljebbar; Virgos, Emilio; Antonio Calleja, Juan; Bartolome, Jordi; Albanell, Elena; Serrano, Emmanuel; Abaigar, Teresa; Maria Gil-Sanchez, Jose
通讯作者	Herrera-Sánchez, FJ
来源期刊	ANIMALS
ISSN	2076-2615
出版年	2023
卷号	13 期号:4
英文摘要	Simple Summary The Sahara desert is home to the greatest diversity of ungulates of all deserts. In this harsh environment, the endangered Cuvier's gazelle finds at the southernmost limit of its distribution a key population for its survival. A better understanding of the feeding ecology of the species may improve our understanding of the biological requirements for implementing conservation measures. In this study, we analysed the diet and feeding strategy of a desert population by combining different approaches such as faecal sampling, recording indirect signs of feeding, and direct observations of individuals. Our results revealed that Cuvier's gazelles displayed a feeding behaviour similar to that of browsing ruminants, with acacias as key species for the survival of the species in the harsh environment of the Sahara. Consequently, the current increasing grazing pressure in remote areas and on acacias calls for measures to mitigate this emerging and possibly worsening impact due to imminent climate change. Knowledge of the feeding ecology of ungulates in arid biomes offers an interesting model for understanding the drought resistance of large desert-adapted herbivores, a crucial issue in the face of increasing desertification due to climate change. To assess the feeding ecology of the endangered Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) in the Sahara desert, we used a multi-method approach combining faecal samples, direct observations, and the recording of indirect signs of feeding. We hypothesised that browser behaviour is the best foraging strategy for species living in hyper-arid environments, mainly due to long periods without grazing opportunities. Complementarily, we explored the effects of the main environmental descriptors (rainfalls and NDVI) on feeding patterns and diet quality. We found that Cuvier's diets are based mainly on acacias (Vachellia tortilis, V. flava) and occasionally on the annual forb Anastatica hierochuntica. In total, eighteen species (five trees, nine shrubs, three herbs, and one grass) belonging to fifteen families were recorded. Our result confirmed the browsers' characteristic of this species, reaffirming its ability to settle in a hostile environment. Acacias stand out as key species consumed at the southernmost limit of their range; hence, future conservation plans and strategies should take this into account for the survival of Cuvier's gazelle in desert environments.
英文关键词	Gazella cuvieri climatic change diet deserts ecology Sahara wild ungulates wildlife conservation acacia
类型	Article
语种	英语
开放获取类型	gold, Green Published
收录类别	SCI-E
WOS记录号	WOS:000938168700001
WOS关键词	HABITAT SELECTION ; MESSAAD FOREST ; DORCAS GAZELLE ; DIET ; WOODLAND ; MAMMALIA ; RESERVE ; CLIMATE ; BOVIDAE ; BRINK
WOS类目	Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science ; Veterinary Sciences ; Zoology
WOS研究方向	Agriculture ; Veterinary Sciences ; Zoology
资源类型	期刊论文
条目标识符	http://119.78.100.177/qdio/handle/2XILL650/395302
推荐引用方式 GB/T 7714	Javier Herrera-Sanchez, F.,Lopez, Omar,Rodriguez-Siles, Javier,et al. Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert[J],2023,13(4).
APA	Javier Herrera-Sanchez, F..,Lopez, Omar.,Rodriguez-Siles, Javier.,Angel Diaz-Portero, Miguel.,Arredondo, Angel.,...&Maria Gil-Sanchez, Jose.(2023).Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert.ANIMALS,13(4).
MLA	Javier Herrera-Sanchez, F.,et al."Feeding Ecology of the Cuvier's Gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, Ogilby, 1841) in the Sahara Desert".ANIMALS 13.4(2023).