Influence of a Nutritional Parameter on the size Differences of the three Springbok Subspecies

Abstract

Apparent size differences in the three subspecies of the springbok Antldorcas marsupialis were compared in relation to the mean dietary protein values analysed from rumen contents of test animals. Body mass was highly correlated with the winter dietary protein in both sexes. No significant differences were found to exist between the mean body mass values of the two northern subspecies. Significant differences did however exist between the nominate subspecies and the two northern taxa. Similar tendencies were illustrated for most comparisons of subspecific dietary protein values.