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Aardvark burrows: a potential resource for animals in arid and semi-arid environments

Aardvark burrows: a potential resource for animals in arid and semi-arid environments Arid and semi-arid environments are characterized by extreme fluctuations in temperature and low rainfall, which present significant challenges to the animals inhabiting these areas. However, the presence of burrows may allow animals to avoid climatic extremes and predators and may act as valuable foraging sites. We assessed the microhabitat conditions (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and seed abundance) of aardvark (Orycteropus afer) burrows in relation to paired non-burrow areas at three sites in South Africa. We also describe the extent to which they are used as resources by other vertebrates. Maximum temperatures were significantly lower and minimum temperatures and relative humidity values were significantly higher inside the burrows than outside. The concentration of seeds inside the burrows and at the paired non-burrow sites was similar. Twenty-seven vertebrate species (21 mammals, two birds, three reptiles and one amphibian) were recorded making use of the burrows and it is likely that these species accrue benefits (e.g. a buffered microclimate) from burrow use. However, our sampling was biased towards mammals and nocturnal species. Consequently, we recommend further work to establish the overall reliance of vertebrate taxa on aardvark burrows in arid and semi-arid environments. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png African Zoology Taylor & Francis

Aardvark burrows: a potential resource for animals in arid and semi-arid environments

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References (43)

Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Copyright
© Zoological Society of Southern Africa
ISSN
2224-073X
eISSN
1562-7020
DOI
10.1080/15627020.2011.11407509
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid environments are characterized by extreme fluctuations in temperature and low rainfall, which present significant challenges to the animals inhabiting these areas. However, the presence of burrows may allow animals to avoid climatic extremes and predators and may act as valuable foraging sites. We assessed the microhabitat conditions (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and seed abundance) of aardvark (Orycteropus afer) burrows in relation to paired non-burrow areas at three sites in South Africa. We also describe the extent to which they are used as resources by other vertebrates. Maximum temperatures were significantly lower and minimum temperatures and relative humidity values were significantly higher inside the burrows than outside. The concentration of seeds inside the burrows and at the paired non-burrow sites was similar. Twenty-seven vertebrate species (21 mammals, two birds, three reptiles and one amphibian) were recorded making use of the burrows and it is likely that these species accrue benefits (e.g. a buffered microclimate) from burrow use. However, our sampling was biased towards mammals and nocturnal species. Consequently, we recommend further work to establish the overall reliance of vertebrate taxa on aardvark burrows in arid and semi-arid environments.

Journal

African Zoology – Taylor & Francis

Published: Oct 1, 2011

Keywords: Orycteropus afer; rodents; temperature extremes; predation; vertebrates

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