Examining Stable Isotope Variation of Herbivores in South Luangwa Valley in the Context of Anthropogenic Influences

Author

Taylor Hubbard, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Anthropology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Anthropology

Advisor/Mentor

Villaseñor, Amelia

Committee Member

Delezene, Lucas K.

Second Committee Member

Suarez, Celina A.

Keywords

Anthropology; Ecology; Stable Isotopes

Abstract

Stable isotopes are an effective tool for inferring mammalian behavior. Though there are multiple factors that can influence mammalian diets, anthropogenic influence is one that is often overlooked. For example, it is important to consider how wildlife living in areas where there are frequent, documented human-wildlife interactions will modify behavior. National Parks (NPs) are a great example of this because of the common misconception that since there are protections in place, that means it is devoid of anthropogenic influence. South Luangwa National Park contradicts this misconception. Though there are protections for wildlife in place within the park, it is unfenced and allows for the movement of animals from within to outside of the park. On the border of the national park is a village, Mfuwe, which is located near the entrance of the park. There are known human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in the area, which define any negative interaction between humans and wildlife. Notably, one of the frequent interactions is crop raiding. Since stable isotopes of carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) inform us broadly about the diet of the individual, then behaviors like crop raiding would result in values that differ from individuals who did not engage in that behavior. The general and spatial variation in isotopic niche space at the species level were analyzed from seven large mammal groups in order to test this hypothesis. From these large mammal groups, the majority of individuals fell within the mixed feeder category, and there was a noted shift towards a higher integration of C₄ resources as you move away from Mfuwe and the park entrance.

Citation

Hubbard, T. (2025). Examining Stable Isotope Variation of Herbivores in South Luangwa Valley in the Context of Anthropogenic Influences. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5767