The fatty acids available to wild herbivores from indigenous plants is dependent on both plant species and season.

Considerable evidence shows dietary nutrient variation of human foods, but little data is available for wild animals. Plants are known to be low in total lipid, thus limiting essential fatty acid availability to herbivores. The fatty acid profiles of a range of indigenous Southern African plants were examined. Significant differences were detected, both between species, and within species according to season. No differences related to geographical location were detectable.