Photographic evidence of predation on Cape dune mole‐rat ( Bathyergus suillus ) and rock hyrax ( Procavia capensis ) by African wildcat ( Felis lybica cafra )
2022; Wiley; Volume: 60; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1111/aje.13040
ISSN1365-2028
AutoresEugene Greyling, Marna Herbst, Mari‐Su de Villiers,
Tópico(s)Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ResumoAfrican Journal of EcologyEarly View RESEARCH NOTEOpen Access Photographic evidence of predation on Cape dune mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus) and rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) by African wildcat (Felis lybica cafra) Eugene Greyling, Corresponding Author Eugene Greyling eugene@capeleopard.org.za egreyl98@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0003-1471-9545 Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa Correspondence Eugene Greyling, Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa. Emails: eugene@capeleopard.org.za; egreyl98@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorMarna Herbst, Marna Herbst orcid.org/0000-0001-7803-2190 SANParks, Cape Research Centre, Cape Town, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorMari-Su de Villiers, Mari-Su de Villiers orcid.org/0000-0002-8266-5342 The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this author Eugene Greyling, Corresponding Author Eugene Greyling eugene@capeleopard.org.za egreyl98@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0003-1471-9545 Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa Correspondence Eugene Greyling, Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa. Emails: eugene@capeleopard.org.za; egreyl98@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorMarna Herbst, Marna Herbst orcid.org/0000-0001-7803-2190 SANParks, Cape Research Centre, Cape Town, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this authorMari-Su de Villiers, Mari-Su de Villiers orcid.org/0000-0002-8266-5342 The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South AfricaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 June 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13040AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat 1 INTRODUCTION The Cape dune mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus, Schreber 1782) is an endemic burrowing rodent largely confined to the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa (De Graaf, 1981; Visser et al., 2014). The species habitat is characterised by sandy loam soils associated with coastal Sandveld, and a clear preference is shown for landscapes dominated by indigenous Fynbos vegetation (Bennett et al., 2016; Mugo et al., 1995; Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). The Cape dune mole-rat is an important eco-engineer that modifies soil properties (Hagenah & Bennett, 2013). However, they are also regarded as an agricultural pest in areas where their mounds and burrows cause unwanted damage (Bennett et al., 2016; Maree et al., 2017). The largest of all African mole-rats, B. suillus is the biggest truly subterranean mammal in the world weighing up to 2.2 kg (Bennett et al., 2009; Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). Their large size and incisors, combined with their subterranean lifestyle in sealed burrows and aggressive defensive behaviour, are likely to make this species difficult to hunt (Begall et al., 2007; Finn et al., 2020). Few carnivores, according to literature, are known to predate on these mole-rats. The best documented predator of B. suillus is the mole snake (Pseudaspis cana, Linnaeus 1758) (De Graaf, 1981; Finn et al., 2020). Other carnivores to which B. suillus are considered vulnerable, although predation appears yet to be confirmed, include Cape cobras (Naja nivea, Linnaeus 1758), black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas, Schreber 1775), caracals (Caracal caracal, Schreber 1776), domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus 1758) and African wildcats (Felis lybica cafra, Desmarest 1822) (Bennett et al., 2009; De Graaf, 1981; Finn et al., 2020). In contrast to Bathyergus suillus, the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis, Pallas 1766) has a very wide distribution range restricted only to areas where there are suitable rocky habitat and food (Butynski et al., 2015; Hoeck & Bloomer, 2013; Olds & Shoshani, 1982). Rock hyraxes, weighing up to 4.7 kg (average ♂ – 3.7 kg), provide an important food source for many predators, including Verreaux eagles (Aquila verreauxii, Lesson 1830), leopards (Panthera pardus, Linnaeus 1758), wild dogs (Lycaon pictus, Temminck 1820), caracals and some species of snakes (Apps, 2012). This species has previously only been recorded in stomach contents of two African wildcats (Kok & Nel, 2004; Stuart, 1981). No other records, nor proof of African wildcat actively hunting prey this large, exists (Herbst & Mills, 2010; Kok & Nel, 2004; Palmer & Fairall, 1988; Smithers, 1971; Smithers & Wilson, 1979; Stuart, 1981). Here, we present what we believe is the first known photographic evidence of predation on the Cape dune mole-rat and rock hyrax by the African wildcat, a medium-sized carnivore weighing on average 4.9 kg (♂) and 3.7 kg (♀) (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). Notably, there appears to be a paucity of data on African wildcat in southern Africa with the latest confirmed distribution records in the Piketberg area dating to pre-2000 (Herbst et al., 2016). We therefore also contribute updated African wildcat distribution data for this region. 2 STUDY SITE AND METHODS A camera-trap survey designed to detect leopards was conducted in the mountainous region surrounding the town of Piketberg, situated in the Swartland region of the Western Cape, South Africa. The survey took place across a transformed landscape (size: 1500 km2) characterised by a mosaic of natural Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation fragmented by livestock and crop agricultural practices (Linder, 1976; Mucina & Rutherford, 2006). Data were collected from 19 November 2019 to 12 December 2020. The survey area (Figure 1) is comprised of 65 paired camera-trap stations stretching across 55 privately owned farms and spaced at least 2 km apart. A minimum of two and a maximum of three stations were established in each 50 km2 sampling block. Motion and heat-detecting Cuddeback X-Change camera traps, mounted ~40 cm off the ground and perpendicular to game trails or roads, were used. Permission to conduct this research was granted by Cape Nature (Permit number: CN44-59-12321) and in writing by all landowners involved. FIGURE 1Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Map showing the location of the survey within the Western Cape province (a). Main map shows the location of camera-trap stations. The yellow star icon indicates the Cape dune mole-rat predation event, and the yellow circle shows the location of the rock hyrax predation event. African wildcat detections are noted 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION African wildcats were detected at 61.54% of the camera-trap stations (Figure 1). One of these detections (25 June 2020) recorded images of an African wildcat carrying a recently killed Cape dune mole-rat (Figure 2). These images were captured on a privately owned livestock farm—in a drainage line next to an underpass of a regional road. This species has not been previously recorded in the diet of African wildcat, who generally shows a preference for small rodents (Herbst & Mills, 2010; Kok & Nel, 2004; Palmer & Fairall, 1988; Smithers, 1971; Smithers & Wilson, 1979; Stuart, 1981). An African wildcat has previously been observed actively hunting a smaller species, the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis, Ogilby 1838) (Herbst pers. obs.). The mole-rat was above ground and appeared defenceless. Upon inspection of the images in Figure 2, wounds appear to be visible on this mole-rats right flank, reflecting the typical felid hunting strategy previously observed. Mole-rats are vulnerable above ground, known to range relatively long distances in search of a mate or forced above ground when seasonal flooding takes place (Bennett et al., 2009, 2016). This record took place during both the winter rainfall and breeding season. The high localised densities of Cape dune mole-rats found in agricultural landscapes could provide a readily available food source for African wildcats where their ranges overlap (Davies & Jarvis, 1986). FIGURE 2Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Image of an African wildcat carrying a recently killed Cape dune mole-rat. This camera-trap station was surrounded by agricultural land and situated 53 m above sea level [−32.60650 S, 18.74051 E] The southernmost site of the survey captured a rock hyrax predation event by African wildcat (22 January 2020) (Figure 3). This site was on private uncultivated land covered by pristine mountainous fynbos. African wildcats are largely nocturnal but known to often hunt well after dawn (Herbst, 2009). They are also known to be highly adaptable with a wide range of prey species and supplement their diet based on the availability of prey in an area (Herbst & Mills, 2010; Kok & Nel, 2004; Skinner & Chimimba, 2005; Sunquist & Sunquist, 2014). Rock hyraxes' large social groups often provide a stable prey source for many predators in areas where they are abundant, but their mass is notably greater relative to the recorded general diet of African wildcat. Historically, springhare (Pedetes capensis, Forster 1778) (average 3.1 kg (Apps, 2012)) was believed to be the largest prey species that African wildcat was likely to hunt (Smithers, 1971). Stomach contents have also revealed the presence of hares (Lepus sp.), red rock rabbits (Pronolagus sp.), and the remains of a newborn Sharpe's grysbok (Raphicerus sharpie, Thomas 1897) (Skinner & Chimimba, 2005). Predation on mammals larger than 500 g was previously thought to be a rare event (Herbst & Mills, 2010). Assuming that this rock hyrax was caught by the African wildcat photographed makes this the largest confirmed prey species hunted by African wildcat to date. The widespread population of rock hyraxes in these mountains could similarly provide African wildcats with an abundant food source. FIGURE 3Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Image of an African wildcat carrying a rock hyrax. This station was surrounded by uncultivated indigenous fynbos and situated 654 m above sea level [−32.89278 S, 18.72363 E] While we did not observe the actual predation events of both the Cape dune mole-rat and rock hyrax, we are confident that the photographic evidence supports our conclusions. We do not suspect either of these incidents to be specialised behaviour, but rather chance events given the opportunistic feeding behaviour of African wildcats (Herbst et al., 2016; Herbst & Mills, 2010; Kok & Nel, 2004). We do recommend a focused study on the African wildcat population in this region. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was made possible thanks to funding and support from ABAX Investments and Ford Wildlife Foundation. We would like to extend our thanks to the Piketberg landowners for providing access to their properties and to CapeNature for supporting this research. We thank Chavoux Luyt and Lana Müller for their assistance with the camera survey and Alison Leslie and Kathryn Williams for providing helpful comments on the manuscript. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors are not aware of any potential conflict of interest. Open Research DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT All data are made available in the manuscript. REFERENCES Apps, P. (2012). Smithers' mammals of southern Africa ( 4th ed.). Struik. Google Scholar Begall, S., Burda, H., & Schleich, C. E. (2007). Subterranean rodents: News from underground. In S. Begall, H. Burda, & C. E. Schleich (Eds.), Subterranean rodents. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-69276-8_1CrossrefGoogle Scholar Bennett, N. C., Faulkes, C. G., Hart, L., & Jarvis, J. U. (2009). Bathyergus suillus (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Mammalian Species, 828, 1– 7. https://doi.org/10.1644/828.1CrossrefGoogle Scholar Bennett, N. C., Visser, J. H., Maree, S., & Jarvis, J. U. (2016). A conservation assessment of Bathyergus suillus. In M. F. Child, L. Roxburgh, E. Linh San, D. Raimondo, & H. T. Davies-Mostert (Eds.), The red list of mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust. Google Scholar Butynski, T., Hoeck, H., Koren, L. & de Jong, Y. A. (2015). Procavia capensis. The IUCN red list of threatened species 2015: e. T41766A21285876. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T41766A21285876.enGoogle Scholar Davies, K. C., & Jarvis, J. U. (1986). The burrow systems and burrowing dynamics of the mole-rats Bathyergus suillus and Cryptomys hottentotus in the fynbos of the south-western cape, South Africa. Journal of Zoology, 209, 125– 147. Wiley Online LibraryWeb of Science®Google Scholar De Graaf, G. (1981). The rodents of southern Africa. Butterworth. Google Scholar Finn, K., Voigt, C., Van Jaarsveld, B., Hart, D. W., & Jorna, J. (2020). Pseudaspis cana (mole snake) diet and habitat use. Herpetological Review, 51, 626– 627. Google Scholar Hagenah, N., & Bennett, N. C. (2013). Mole rats act as ecosystem engineers within a biodiversity hotspot, the cape fynbos. Journal of Zoology, 289, 19– 26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2012.00958.xCrossrefWeb of Science®Google Scholar Herbst, M. (2009). Behavioural ecology and population genetics of the African wildcat, Felis silvestris (Forster 1980), in the southern Kalahari. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Pretoria. Google Scholar Herbst, M., Foxcroft, L., Le Roux, J., Bloomer, P., & Do Linh San, E. (2016). A conservation assessment of Felis silvestris. In M. F. Child, L. Roxburgh, E. Linh San, D. Raimondo, & H. T. Davies-Mostert (Eds.), The red list of mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust. Google Scholar Herbst, M., & Mills, M. G. L. (2010). The feeding habits of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), a facultative trophic specialist, in the southern Kalahari (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa/Botswana). Journal of Zoology, 280, 403– 413. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00679.xCrossrefWeb of Science®Google Scholar Hoeck, H. N., & Bloomer, P. (2013). Procavia capensis rock hyrax (klip dassie). In J. Kingdon, D. C. D. Happold, T. M. Butynski, M. Hoffmann, M. Happold, & J. Kalina (Eds.), Mammals of Africa (pp. 166– 171). Bloomsbury Publishing. Google Scholar Kok, O. B., & Nel, J. A. J. (2004). Convergence and divergence in prey of sympatric canids and felids: Opportunism or phylogenetic constraint? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 83, 527– 538. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2004.00409.xCrossrefWeb of Science®Google Scholar Linder, H. P. (1976). A preliminary study of the vegetation of Piketberg mountain, Cape Province. BSc Hons. University of Cape Town. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26499Google Scholar Maree, S., Jarvis, J., Bennett, N. C. & Visser, J. (2017). Bathyergus suillus. The IUCN red list of threatened species 2017: e.T2620A110017759. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T2620A110017759.enGoogle Scholar Mucina, L., & Rutherford, M. C. (2006). The vegetation of South Africa. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Google Scholar Mugo, D. N., Lombard, A. T., Bronner, G. N., Gelderblom, C. M., & Benn, G. A. (1995). Distribution and protection of endemic or threatened rodents, lagomorphs and macrosceledids in South Africa. African Zoology, 30, 115– 126. CrossrefWeb of Science®Google Scholar Olds, N., & Shoshani, J. (1982). Procavia capensis. Mammalian species, 171, 1– 7. https://doi.org/10.2307/3503802CrossrefGoogle Scholar Palmer, R., & Fairall, N. (1988). Caracal and African wild cat diet in the Karoo National Park and the implications thereof for hyrax. South African Journal Wildlife Research, 18, 30– 34. Web of Science®Google Scholar Skinner, J. D., & Chimimba, C. T. (2005). The mammals of the southern African subregion ( 3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. CrossrefGoogle Scholar Smithers, R. H. N. (1971). The mammals of Botswana. Trustees of the National Museums of Rhodesia. Google Scholar Smithers, R. H. N., & Wilson, V. J. (1979). Check list and atlas of the mammals of Zimbabwe. Trustees of the National Museums of Rhodesia. Google Scholar Stuart, C. T. (1981). Notes on the mammalian carnivores of the Cape Province, South Africa. Bontebok, 1, 1– 58. Google Scholar Sunquist, F., & Sunquist, M. (2014). The wild cat book. University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226145761.001.0001CrossrefGoogle Scholar Visser, J. H., Bennett, N. C., & Jansen van Vuuren, B. (2014). Local and regional scale genetic variation in the cape dune mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. PloS one, 9, e107226. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0107226CrossrefPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation
Referência(s)