Climatic factors affecting seasonal movements of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) in a semi-arid region of South Africa

To the modern-day conservationist, knowledge on giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) movement patterns is crucial for the effective management of this increasingly threatened species. The aim of this study was to determine the seasonal distances travelled by giraffes in a highly seasonal semi-arid savanna area and to investigate how specific climatic factors influence their spatial distribution. Distributed over the 95,537-ha reserve, we selected eight adult female giraffes that were equipped with radio transmitter collars using geographical positioning system devices to investigate their movement patterns over a 21-month period in the Kalahari region of South Africa. Climatic data were collected using three weather stations at different locations in the study area. Giraffes moved significantly longer distances and for longer hours during the cool, dry season compared to other seasons. Both temperature and rainfall had statistically significant effects on distances travelled. The giraffes moved significantly longer distances with higher rainfall and temperature. They also moved significantly further during the middle of the day in all seasons, except winter. The reasons for these movement patterns are discussed with special emphasis on the influence of climatic factors on resource availability in a highly seasonal environment with periods of low resource availability.