Selectivity Strategy and Forage Plant Use by Dromedaries in Saharan Rangeland in the Region of Ouargla (Algeria)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor the grazing and utilization of feed resources by dromedary camels in the Saharan rangelands around Ouargla Algeria, and to illustrate how camels contribute to the maintenance and improvement of their environment despite the limited vegetation. The research methodology employed the tooth strikes method, involving direct observation of biting. In this study, a camcorder was used for the first time as a means to record camel activity on the range, aiming to prevent any loss of information. Recording sessions of 1 hour each were conducted in the morning and afternoon for each female camel, under conditions of decreasing vegetation availability during each season. The monitoring results revealed that dromedaries exhibit a distinct attitude toward plants. They allow the regeneration of less abundant species by taking small bites while consuming more extensively from the more abundant species. Statistical analysis demonstrated a highly significant relationship between species abundance and grazing probability (P < 0.001). According to the “Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector” method, species with an abundance exceeding 13% have a sampling probability with a precision of 76.8%. In contrast, species with an abundance between 6% and 13% have a 45% probability of grazing, while those with an occurrence rate of 6% have a 7% probability of grazing. Likewise, the analysis of variance test indicated a highly significant relationship between plant height and grazing time (P < 0.000). Consequently, the number of plant parts consumed was found to be proportional to the plant’s height. The camel’s behavior toward its environment facilitates the regeneration and preservation of plant cover in its pastures.