Habitat suitability for tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus lunatus

The distribution and numbers of tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus lunatus) have declined considerably in South Africa, partly due to deteriorating habitat conditions. Identifying important habitat variables will assist in managing the species. The objective of this study was to identify habitat variables important for tsessebe and to develop a predictive model of habitat selection for this species in a savanna biome. The study was conducted in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve over a 2‐year period. A total of eighteen habitat variables were measured in ten plant communities at 200 sites. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictor variables and to construct a habitat model. Tsessebe were found <2 km from the nearest source of water, in flat areas with slopes of <3° and with <10% rockiness. Their distribution was not influenced by the woody component. Sites where tsessebe were present had significantly lower grass heights and tuft heights, with a higher grass density compared with areas not utilized by tsessebe. Nitrogen and sodium levels were also higher at present sites. Habitat type and grass height were the most significant predictors of tsessebe presence. The selected model had an overall percentage prediction of 85.0%. The model was subdivided into five vegetation‐specific models and each model was tested with independent data.