Habitat Use of the Springhare (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Abstract

The habitat and dietary preferences of the southern springhare, Pedetes capensis, were investigated on a farm in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The farm comprised a variety of habitat types and was typical of the greater range occupied by springhares in this region. Springhares preferred short grass (Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus esculentus)dominated habitats found in recently disturbed or cultivated areas. These provide a suitable environment for predator detection and avoidance, and provide an abundant, good quality, stable food supply throughout the year. Stomach contents and springhare feeding patches confirmed that in addition to leaf material,C. dactylon rhizomes and C. esculentus tubers are heavily utilized. C. esculentus abundance was significantly positively correlated with springhare densities. Springhares avoided fields in which chicory (Cichorium intybus) was cultivated and no evidence of them feeding on chicory roots or leaves was found.