Understanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use by free-ranging herbivores is essential for species management and conservation in its natural environment. We used Ivelv’s selection index, binary logistic regression analyses and stepwise regression to understand how environmental factors shape habitat selection by the Grevy’s zebra (Equus greyvi). We measured biotic, abiotic and human factors that may influence presence or absence of Grevy’s zebra in Samburu-Laikipia landscape and showed: (1) during wet periods, percentage perennial grasses, livestock density and grass quality had the greatest effect on Grevy’s zebra presence; but (2) during dry weather periods a different suite of factors determined their landscape distribution, namely, the percentage of tree and bush density, distance to water and overall grass abundance. In addition, different Grevy’s zebra demographic and reproductive classes varied in their response to environmental selective forces, thus demonstrating flexibility in their patterns of habitat selection. While we recommend more detailed studies on how abiotic and biotic interact to shape habitat selection patterns, our findings underscored the need of maintaining both dry and wet season habitats to ensure essential grazing area refugia. Our findings show that ‘soft’ development with controlled livestock stocking rates within the landscape will enhance Grevy’s zebra conservation.

中文翻译：

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细纹斑马（Equus grevyi）的栖息地选择：保护意义

了解自由放养的食草动物景观利用的空间动态对于自然环境中的物种管理和保护至关重要。我们使用 Ivelv 选择指数、二元逻辑回归分析和逐步回归来了解环境因素如何影响细纹斑马 ( Equus greyvi ) 的栖息地选择。我们测量了可能影响桑布鲁-莱基皮亚景观中细纹斑马存在或不存在的生物、非生物和人为因素，结果表明：（1）在潮湿时期，多年生草的百分比、牲畜密度和草质量对细纹斑马的存在影响最大；但是（2）在干燥天气期间，一系列不同的因素决定了它们的景观分布，即树木和灌木丛密度的百分比、距水源的距离和总体草丰度。此外，不同细纹斑马的种群和繁殖类别对环境选择力的反应各不相同，从而表现出它们栖息地选择模式的灵活性。虽然我们建议对非生物和生物如何相互作用以形成栖息地选择模式进行更详细的研究，但我们的研究结果强调需要维护旱季和雨季栖息地，以确保必要的放牧区避难所。我们的研究结果表明，在景观范围内控制牲畜放养率的“软”开发将加强细纹斑马的保护。