Abstract
A study on the seasonal variation in population structure and status of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and the common impala (Aepyceros melampus) was carried out in the Mana Pools National Park floodplain, Zimbabwe. Data was collected during the wet (February) and dry (September) seasons of 2012. The simple random sampling method was employed in transect placement. A total of 10 transects were sampled. The line transect method was used to estimate dry and wet season populations of buffalo, kudu and impala. Results from the two tailed t-test showed no significant variation for the populations of kudu (P>0.05) and buffalo (P>0.05) with season. However, impala population varied significantly with season (P 0.05). Dry season mean group sizes for buffalo, kudu and impala were 9.8, 3.6 and 14.1 respectively. The population of buffalo declined from 446 in 1995 to 174 in 2012. The populations of kudu and impala showed an increasing trend between 1995 and 2012. Results from this study suggest that seasonal variation in forage availability could be the primary factor influencing the status of herbivores in the MPNP floodplain. There is an urgent need for management to revise staff and ration quotas for herbivores and increase law enforcement efforts to assure the sustainable management of herbivores in MPNP.
Highlights
Background of studyPopulations of wildlife species are declining in most parts of the world [1,2,3]
The purpose of this study is to examine the seasonal variations of age and sex structures of selected herbivores in Mana Pools National Park (MPNP)
The dry season count for impala was significantly higher as compared to the wet season count (t=-2.28, P=0.038, C.I 95%)
Summary
Populations of wildlife species are declining in most parts of the world [1,2,3]. The African buffalo, kudu and impala have all been classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as species of Least Concern [19]. The common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) is widespread, common and abundant in most savannah protected areas. It has been eliminated in some parts of their range such as Burundi [20]. The greater kudu and the African buffalo must be closely monitored as local declines have been recorded elsewhere [7,21]
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