The Declining Endangered Roan Antelope Population in Kenya: What Is the Way Forward?

Johnstone K Kimanzi,Jennifer N Wanyingi

doi:10.1155/2014/908628

Abstract

The roan antelope, endemic to Africa, is drastically declining in Kenya and most of its range throughout Africa. Extensive research on roans in South Africa has not provided effective remedial management actions. The solution to Kenya’s roans will come from detailed research in Kenya. This paper reports an on-going research on “mapping and modelling the roan antelope population and habitat in Ruma National Park, Kenya.” The research is employing the state-of-the-art techniques in modelling and geographic information systems (GIS). Preliminary findings indicate that (i) the roan population has declined to 45 animals; (ii) the roans’ home range changes (a) with any slight change in surface water and/or rainfall frequency and (b) between and within seasons (dry and wet); and (iii) the roans’ behaviour implies possibilities of poaching. Among other interventions, establishment of a roan sanctuary (with intensive active management) in Ruma N. Park seems to be the best way forward.

Highlights

The roan antelope endemic to Africa was formerly one of Africa’s most widely distributed antelopes found essentially throughout the African savannas, where water was adequate [1]
The roans are currently classified by the IUCN [2] as of “Least Concern,” if the present trends continue, the roan antelope’s status may eventually decline to threatened status as it disappears from large parts of its current range due to poaching and loss of habitat to the expansion of settlement
The past population size and distribution of the roan antelope in Kenya have been obtained from the Department of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

Summary

Introduction

The roan antelope endemic to Africa was formerly one of Africa’s most widely distributed antelopes found essentially throughout the African savannas, where water was adequate [1]. Conference Papers in Science habitat requirements and the decline causal factors have not yet been fully understood This is evidenced by the lack of adequate measures to halt roan population declines at least in the protected areas researched. Harrington et al [5] identified the factors causing roan decline in Kruger National Park to be competition with zebra and wildebeest and predation from lions. These studies were mainly conducted on the South African subspecies (Hippotragus equinus equinus) as opposed to the East African endemic subspecies (H.e. langheldi) [12], which is studied in this research Due to their dwindling numbers, the roan antelopes in Kenya may soon be subjected to such manipulative procedures as translocation and captive breeding in a bid to save them. This study will contribute towards Kenya’s achievement of two vital Millennium Development Goals (poverty reduction and environmental sustainability)

Materials and Methods

Results

Discussion and Conclusions

Recommendations