1Biodiversity Research and Conservation Center, Arba Minch University, P. O. Box 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, P. O. Box 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
*E-mail: belayneh.ayechw@amu.edu.et
Online Published on 19 September, 2022.
An investigation on population structure and habitat association of Defassa waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus Defassa) was carried out in Maze National Park between October 2018 and April 2019 for both wet and dry seasons. Sample counting based on the line-transect method was used. Habitat association was evaluated based on the number of individuals observed in different habitats. A total of 10 representatives transect across four main habitat types were random ly laid, and about 20% of each habitat was surveyed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with the Chi-square test. A total of 93 mean numbers of individuals were observed and 491.5 estimated populations were recorded during the study period. The age composition of Defassa waterbuck comprised 39.5 (42.47%) adults, 52.5 (56.45%) sub adults and 1 (1.08%) young. Females were greater than males during both seasons. The highest Defassa waterbuck population was observed in the riverine forest habitat in both seasons. However, no Defassa waterbuck was observed in the bush land habitat type. The relative abundance of palatable vegetation, the availability of water and the accessibility of vegetation cover for shelter were the major factors governing their distribution in the present study area.
Defassa waterbuck, Habitat association, Maze National Park, Population structure
