Abstract

Animals may act as bio-indicators for the pollution of soil, air and water. In order to monitor changes over time, a baseline status should be established for a particular species in a particular area. The concentration of minerals in soil is a poor indicator of mineral uptake by plants and thus their availability to animals. The chemical composition of body tissue, particularly the liver, is a better reflection of the dietary status of domestic and wild animals. Normal values for copper, manganese and cobalt in the liver have been established for cattle but not for African buffalo. As part of the bovine tuberculosis (BTB) monitoring programme in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa, 660 buffalo were culled. Livers (n = 311) were randomly sampled in buffered formalin for mineral analysis. The highest concentrations of copper were measured in the northern and central parts of the KNP, which is downwind of mining and refining activities. Manganese, cobalt and selenium levels in liver samples indicated neither excess nor deficiency; however, there were some significant area, age and gender differences. The results will be useful as a baseline reference when monitoring variations in the level and extent of mineral pollution on natural pastures close to mines and refineries.