Habitat Use and Diet Composition of the Common Eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Grasslands dominate the habitat use of common elands (Tragelaphus oryx) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, with over 85% of their activity concentrated in these areas during both dry and wet seasons. This preference for grasslands is accompanied by a significant variation in diet composition, primarily feeding on Themeda triandra while rarely consuming Vachellia tortilis or Hibiscus aponeurus. The study, conducted through direct field surveys along 82 pre-established transects, highlights the importance of habitat management and reducing anthropogenic activities to mitigate competition with livestock and enhance eland conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mtega, G. A., Nahonyo, C. L., Temu, S., Sangu, G., & Bukombe, J. (2023). Habitat Use and Diet Composition of the Common Eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Science, 49(4), 880–890. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v49i4.9