How does an herbivore's diet drive its use of surface water resources?
a comparison of how two antelope species use surface water through the seasons in Khaudum NP, Namibia
a comparison of how two antelope species use surface water through the seasons in Khaudum NP, Namibia
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This study focuses on landscape usage by roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) and gemsbok (Oryx gazella) in eastern Namibia. This critical habitat is regularly filled with tiny, ephemeral waterholes in the spring, which allow mammals access to broad swathes of lush vegetation inaccessible in the dry season. In partnership with Robin Naidoo at the World Wildlife Fund and Piet Beytell at Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, I will explore the relationship between roan and gemsbok and these waterholes, and extrapolate future conditions given climate change projections for the region.
My third chapter rests on the incredible maps of ephemeral waterholes that a Duke and WWF joint team (including myself) published in Environmental Research Letters in October of 2022. For a more engaging and visual look at the project, Duke MEM Eliza Carter ('23) created a beautiful ArcGIS Story Map this fall as well. |
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