HOME-RANGE, ACTIVITY PATTERN AND SOCIAL-STRUCTURE OF AN INTRODUCED HERD OF ROAN ANTELOPE IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH-AFRICA

Some aspects of the biology of an introduced herd of roan antelope (Hi ppotragus equinus) were investigated at Weenen Nature Reserve. The stu dy herd comprised a dominant bull, a subordinate male, six cows and th ree unsexed sub-adults. Home range was estimated from over 400 locatio ns using several methods which suggested a herd home range area of app roximately 1200 - 1800 ha. The herd grazed routinely in the early morn ing and late afternoon, and was largely inactive or socialised during the remainder of the day. The data presented will aid the formulation of an action plan to conserve roan antelope in areas outside their kno wn distribution.