Effects of human presence on African mammal waterhole attendance and temporal activity patterns

Patterson, J. R.; Ndlovu, N.; Beasley, J. C.; Périquet, S.

doi:10.1111/jzo.13245

Title: Effects of human presence on African mammal waterhole attendance and temporal activity patterns

Journal Article · 09 December 2024 · Journal of Zoology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.13245 · OSTI ID:2480736

^[1]; Ndlovu, N. ^[2]; Beasley, J. C. ^[1];

^[2]

Savannah River Ecology Lab, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Aiken SC USA
Ongava Research Centre Windhoek Namibia

Abstract Human impacts on the environment and wildlife populations are increasing globally, threatening thousands of species with extinction. While wildlife‐based tourism is beneficial for educating tourists, generating income for conservation efforts, and providing local employment, more information is needed to understand how this industry may impact wildlife. In this study, we used motion‐activated cameras at 12 waterholes on a private game reserve in northern Namibia to determine if the presence of humans and permanent infrastructure affected mammal visits by examining their (1) number of visits, (2) time spent, and (3) diel activity patterns. Our results revealed no differences in the number of visits based on human presence for any of the 17 mammal species studied. However, giraffes ( Giraffe camelopardalis ) spent more time at waterholes before observer presence compared to during. Additionally, several species changed diel activity patterns when human observers were present. Notably, several carnivore and ungulate species increased overlap in their activity patterns during periods while humans were present relative to when humans were absent. These modifications of mammal temporal activity patterns due to human presence could eventually lead to changes in community structure and trophic dynamics because of altered predator–prey interactions. As humans continue to expand into wildlife habitats, and wildlife‐based tourism increases globally, it is imperative that we fully understand the effects of anthropogenic pressures on mammal behavior. Monitoring of wildlife behavioral changes in response to human activity is crucial to further develop wildlife tourism opportunities in a way that optimizes the impact of conservation goals.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: EM0005228

OSTI ID:: 2480736

Journal Information:: Journal of Zoology, Journal Name: Journal of Zoology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 325; ISSN 0952-8369

Publisher:: Wiley-BlackwellCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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