Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Henen, B. T., Hofmeyr, M. D., Balsamo, R. A., & Weitz, F. M. (2005). Lessons from the food choices of the endangered geometric tortoise psammobates geometricus. South African Journal of Science, 101(9-10), 435–438.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:34:32 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Henen2005a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Ernährung = nutrition, Habitat = habitat, Psammobates, Psammobates geometricus, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Südafrika = Southern Africa, Testudinidae Creators: Balsamo, Henen, Hofmeyr, Weitz Collection: South African Journal of Science |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae The basis for the link of geometric tortoises (Psammobates geometricus) to their fragmented veld type, West Coast Renosterveld, is not known. Since the diverse flora of renosterveld may contain resources, including nutrients, particularly suitable for these animals, we evaluated the nutrient content of new leaves for 17 common plant species, including nine food plants, at one geometric tortoise reserve at Elandsberg in the Western Cape province. Compared with the non-food species, the food plants had high levels of soluble carbohydrates and low levels of acid detergent fibre and lipids. Phosphorus concentrations tended to be higher in food plants than in non-food species and were significantly greater in food grass species than in non-food grasses. Food species had higher iron concentrations; this was most pronounced in the nongrass species. Plant biomechanical properties appeared to be linked to the concentration of neutral detergent fibre. A more robust and integrated understanding of plant biochemistry and biomechanics and their relationship to palatability should indicate why certain plants are important food items for herbivores.
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