Model parameters (β ± SE) of temporal trends in the age at harvest for Cape buffalo, African elephant, greater kudu and sable for the period 2004–2015 in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.

<p>Model parameters (β ± SE) of temporal trends in the age at harvest for Cape buffalo, African elephant, greater kudu and sable for the period 2004–2015 in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.</p

Characteristics of the seven management Units, (i.e., hunting status and estimated area), of Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.

<p>Characteristics of the seven management Units, (i.e., hunting status and estimated area), of Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.</p

Map showing location of study area, Matetsi Safari Area and the surrounding areas (National Parks, Forestry Areas, Private Areas and Communal Areas in northwest Zimbabwe).

<p>Insert: Location of study area (solid rectangle) in Zimbabwe in relation to other protected areas Source: Muposhi, Gandiwa [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164429#pone.0164429.ref070" target="_blank">70</a>].</p

Linear mixed model results showing the fixed effects of year, hunting area and age at harvest on the trophy size for the period 2004–2015 in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.

<p>Linear mixed model results showing the fixed effects of year, hunting area and age at harvest on the trophy size for the period 2004–2015 in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.</p

Habitat Heterogeneity Variably Influences Habitat Selection by Wild Herbivores in a Semi-Arid Tropical Savanna Ecosystem

<div><p>An understanding of the habitat selection patterns by wild herbivores is critical for adaptive management, particularly towards ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in semi arid savanna ecosystems. We tested the following predictions: (i) surface water availability, habitat quality and human presence have a strong influence on the spatial distribution of wild herbivores in the dry season, (ii) habitat suitability for large herbivores would be higher compared to medium-sized herbivores in the dry season, and (iii) spatial extent of suitable habitats for wild herbivores will be different between years, i.e., 2006 and 2010, in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe. MaxEnt modeling was done to determine the habitat suitability of large herbivores and medium-sized herbivores. MaxEnt modeling of habitat suitability for large herbivores using the environmental variables was successful for the selected species in 2006 and 2010, except for elephant (<i>Loxodonta africana</i>) for the year 2010. Overall, large herbivores probability of occurrence was mostly influenced by distance from rivers. Distance from roads influenced much of the variability in the probability of occurrence of medium-sized herbivores. The overall predicted area for large and medium-sized herbivores was not different. Large herbivores may not necessarily utilize larger habitat patches over medium-sized herbivores due to the habitat homogenizing effect of water provisioning. Effect of surface water availability, proximity to riverine ecosystems and roads on habitat suitability of large and medium-sized herbivores in the dry season was highly variable thus could change from one year to another. We recommend adaptive management initiatives aimed at ensuring dynamic water supply in protected areas through temporal closure and or opening of water points to promote heterogeneity of wildlife habitats.</p></div

MaxEnt models showing the probability distribution of two large herbivores, Cape buffalo and African elephant for the year 2006 and 2010 in Matetsi Safari Area.

<p>MaxEnt models showing the probability distribution of two large herbivores, Cape buffalo and African elephant for the year 2006 and 2010 in Matetsi Safari Area.</p

Characteristics of the seven management Units, (i.e., hunting status and estimated area), of Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.

<p>Characteristics of the seven management Units, (i.e., hunting status and estimated area), of Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe.</p