Animal exchange ratios: analternative point of view
View/ Open
Date
2001Author
Kinyua, P. I. D.
Njoka, J.T.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
An alternative interpretation is provided of the con-
cepts of carrying capacity and exchange ratios, particu-
larly suitable for game animal species, based on
management models for a given area of rangeland or
pasture. It involves modelling animal population
dynamics as discrete-time logistic equations. Carrying
capacity is then generated endogenously using rainfall
as a proxy. The model interaction parameters, also gen-
erated endogenously, represent the animal exchange
ratios. Because these two parameters are generated
endogenously, this approach takes into account all the
animals' habitat requirements (food, cover, water and
space) simultaneously, unlike other approaches that
tend to consider food requirements only.Thismakes the
approach amenable to multi-species situations. It also
captures the ecological de¢nition of population growth
models where the realized rather than the theoretical
carrying capacity is determined endogenously.
Citation
African Journal Ecology vol 39,59-64Publisher
East AfricanWild Life Society Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology,