Diet Composition of Western Derby eland (Taurotragus Derbianus Derbianus) in the Dry Season in a Natural and a Managed Habitat in Senegal using Faecal Analyses

In the dry season, the western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus), a critically endangered antelope, primarily consumes leaves, shoots of woody plants, and fruits, constituting 98.8% of its diet in natural habitats like Niokolo-Koba National Park. This specialized browsing behavior indicates that woody savanna environments are essential for their survival, as they negligible grass intake. In managed habitats, such as the Bandia wildlife reserve, supplementary food reduces reliance on natural components but maintains overall dietary diversity at 99.2%. Microhistological analysis of fecal samples revealed key plant species in their diet, including Boscia angustifolia, Grewia bicolor, and fruits from Acacia spp. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to prioritize natural forage resources over supplementation to prevent dietary shifts in captivity.

Hejcmanová, P., Homolka, M., Antonínová, M., Hejcman, M., & Podhájecká, V. (2010). Diet Composition of Western Derby eland (Taurotragus Derbianus Derbianus) in the Dry Season in a Natural and a Managed Habitat in Senegal using Faecal Analyses. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 40(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.3957/056.040.0105