A study of the ecology of the Namaqua Sandgrouse and other arid-zone birds
Doctoral Thesis
1998
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
This field study set out to identify the key ecological factors influencing the population dynamics of the Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua, through an investigation of diet and the nutritional demands during different stages of the annual cycle, the timing of breeding seasons and movements in relation to patterns of rainfall-dependent food availability, breeding success and the factors limiting productivity. In addition, the nesting habits and success of 11 coexisting arid-zone bird species were examined to test a variety of hypotheses regarding the relationship between nest-predation rate and nest site, nest density, predator-avoidance behaviour, stage of the nesting cycle and season, and degree of residency. Furthermore, the importance of rainfall as a breeding stimulus and its effects on clutch size were investigated for several species. The Namaqua Sandgrouse is an obligate granivore at all times, feeding on the seeds of annual plants, primarily of the family Fabaceae. Even while breeding, energy is the first-limiting nutrient in the foods of adults. Growing chicks have a proportionally greater protein demand, and are more dependent than adults on protein-rich legume seeds to satisfy first-limiting amino acid requirements. The chick growth phase was identified as the most nutritionally demanding stage in the annual cycle. The breeding season was found to be unexpectedly variable, and not consistently correlated with periods of peak food availability.
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Bibliography: leaves [148]-164.
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Reference:
Lloyd, P. 1998. A study of the ecology of the Namaqua Sandgrouse and other arid-zone birds. University of Cape Town.