Search the Article Database:

Search our library of articles, papers and other published materials. You can use keywords or boolean-style search:

Seasonal utilization of leaves by giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis, and the relationship of the seasonal utilization to the chemical composition of the leaves

Food preferences of giraffe have been extensively investigated but few data concerning the chemical composition of the preferred species are available. The present study was aimed at ascertaining whether the differences in chemical composition of leaves of preferred food plants influence food selection. Furthermore, whether there are differences in the chemical composition of the specific plant species utilized at different localities and to provide information on the nutritive value of indigenous trees. Availability of the 54 preferred plant species studied

View Details + Download

A comparison between Acacia and Combretum leaves utilized by giraffe

Various studies on the food preferences of giraffe indicate that the leaves of the Acacia and Combretum species are the most important food items selected. The present study was aimed at comparing the chemical composition of the leaves and explaining the utilization of both these plant groups by giraffe. The protein content of the leaves of the Acacia species is generally higher than in those of the Combretum species and they are therefore a better source of food.

View Details + Download

Effects of simulated shoot and leaf herbivory on vegetative growth and plant defense in Acacia drepanolobium

Plants have considerable ability to respond to herbivory, both with (above-ground) regrowth and with increased defense. We simulated both leaf and shoot herbivory in controlled, replicated experiments on individuals of Acacia drepanolobium in Laikipia, Kenya. These experiments were carried out on individuals that had experienced different, experimentally controlled histories of large mammalian herbivory. Both forms of simulated herbivory were associated with compensatory regrowth. Branches whose shoots had been removed grew significantly more over the next year than paired control branches,

View Details + Download
© All articles are copyrighted to the original authors/publishers unless otherwise stated. Any PDF files provided by the GRC are for personal use only and may not be reproduced. The files reflect the holdings of the GRC library and only contain pages relevant to giraffe study, and may not be complete. Users are obliged to follow all copyright restrictions.

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy