Original Research

Mammals recorded in the QwaQwa National Park (1994-1995)

N.L. Avenant
Koedoe | Vol 40, No 1 | a261 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v40i1.261 | © 1997 N.L. Avenant | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 01 August 1997 | Published: 01 August 1997

About the author(s)

N.L. Avenant, National Museum, South Africa

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Abstract

Distribution, relative abundance, and habitat preferences of mammals were studied in the newly proclaimed QwaQwa National Park (QQNP) and compared with those of the adjacent 33 year-old Golden Gate Highlands National Park, a nearby protected area in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, Lesotho, and the rest of the Free State Province. In total, 53 mammal species were recorded inside the park and the probability of another 14 likely inhabitants, discussed. The fact that the QQNP contains ca. 70 of mammalian fauna recorded in the Free State and between five and 10 Red Data species stresses the importance of this park and the necessity for correct management of this ca. 21 000 ha conservation area. The low small mammal numbers, variety, and mean diversity found on 17 transects in the QQNP is attributed to previous human habitation and activities@some of which are still present in the park.

Keywords

distribution, diversity, mammal, QwaQwa National Park, species richness.

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