Dissertation Ideas

The effects that large grazing mammals have on small mammal densities and diversity

Background information: One of the fundamental questions in ecology is whether large mammal abundance controls small mammal abundance or visa versa. In respect of large grazing antelope and small mammals they are competing for the same food source for the majority of the year. It has often been the subject of conversation on the reserve that if there was ever a population explosion of small mammals due to idealist environmental conditions, would this effect the carrying capacity of large grazing mammals on the reserve. On the other hand, would the occurrence of large grazing mammals throughout the reserve prevent such an explosion to occur.

Large mammal utilisation of burnsites across Mankwe

Background information:  Much work has been done on large mammal movements in response to burning.  Due to the resulting fresh grass that occurs after a burn, large mammals tend to utilise these areas more than areas that were burnt over 2 years previously.  Different antelope species have different dietry requirements and on Mankwe we have both selective feeders and bulk grazers.  Would it be correct to assume that only the selective feeders are effected as they only eat new shoots or do bulk grazers take advantage and move with the burnsites?