Etho-ecological aspects of the Natal (Francolinus natalensis) and the Swainson’s francolin (Francolinus swainsoni) in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, Orange Free State

Abstract

Etho-ecological information on the Natal (Francolinus natalensis) and the Swainson’s francolin (F. swainsoni) was obtained in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, Orange Free State, for management purposes. Although captures of the two francolin species suggest population structures with unbalanced age and sex ratios, the phenomenon should perhaps be attributed to differential dominance at the constant food supply (cages with bait). Apart from the tail length of the Swainson’s francolin, the body dimensions of immatures are generally smaller than those of adults.