Download The Population size and distribution of critically endangered Hirola

The Population size and distribution of critically
endangered Hirola Antelope (Beatragus hunteri)
in Arawale National Reserve, Kenya
Francis Kamau Muthoni
Terra Nuova East Africa
Transboundary Environmental Project
Hirola Profile

Diet: mostly grass

Weight: 75 - 160 kg

Mean group size: 7- 8

Gestation: 7 months

Sexually mature: 2 years

Habitat: seasonally arid
region of grassy plains
btwn acacia bush and
coastal forest
25-28 June 2007
10th SCGIS Conference,
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Study Area
 Area: 540 Km2
 Only in-situ conservation
initiative for hirola
 6 species of conservation
interest
 Gazetted 1973
 Protection collapsed 1988
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Historical Range of Hirola


25-28 June 2007
38,400 Km2 in Kenya and
Somalia (1960’s)
19,158 Km2 in Kenya
(1960’s)

Current 9,177 Km2

14,000 in 1960’s

1,000 - 2000 Today
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Transect Methodology


Transects are lined
down considering
areas of interest or
relevance
Transect counts are
performed by moving
along the identified
line on foot/vehicle
25-28 June 2007


All observations are
recorded in specific
forms and georeferenced with GPS
Transect counts are
performed on the
same, day and at the
same time each
month
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Population Estimates


Using N= (nZ/T)2W Where:
N = Population size in the
whole survey zone. (Dahiye,
1999)
n = Population size in
transects (monthly average)
Abundance of Hirola Antelope in
Arawale National Reserve
300
250
No. of Hirola

200
150
Abundance
100
50



Z = total area of the survey
zone
0
T1A T2A
T4A T5A
Transects
T = Length of the transect
W= Width of the transect.
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N= (45*540/70)0.2
Population Size & Density

Total Sighted: 534

Groups: 87
Population Size of Hirola in ANR
600

Mean: 45
500
Population Size: 69
No. of hirola

400
Sum
300
average/Month
Population Size
200
100

Density: 0.13/Km2
0
1
Parameters

Mean Groups Size: 6.1
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Seasonal Distribution
Seasons Groups No.
Dry
Wet
Total
59
28
87
313
221
534

No./frequency
Seasonal distribution of Hirola in
ANR

400
300
Frequency
200
Hirola No.
100
0
dry
Total Individuals
- Dry 59%
- Wet 41%
Groups Sightings
- Dry 68%
- Wet 32%
wet
Season
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Distribution of hirola in ANR.
25-28 June 2007
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Habitat Preferences
Habitat
Groups No.
Grassland
30
253
Open bush
57
281
Closed Bush
0
0
Total
87
534
Habitat Preferences of Hirola in ANR
300
250
No. of Hirola
200
Frequency
150
Hirola No.
100
50
0
grassland
25-28 June 2007
open bush
Closed Bush
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Human-Livestock-Wildlife interfaces
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Livestock Grazing
Livestock Species in ANR
Species
Total
4500
Cattle
Shoats
Goats
Donkey
Camel
Total
4,202
3,720
486
24
2
8,434
3500
25-28 June 2007
No. of Animals
4000
3000
2500
Total No.
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Cattle
Shoats
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Goats
Donkey
Camel
Threats

Habitat degradation

Drought

Poaching

Competition with livestock

Predation

Inbreeding
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10th SCGIS Conference,
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Acknowledgements
Thank You
Email: [email protected]
25-28 June 2007
10th SCGIS Conference,
Monterey, CA