Search

The parasites of kob based on physical, faecal and blood examination has revealed that kob harbor ticks which include Rhipicephalus evertsi, Rhipicephalus nymph, Amblyomma variegatum; lice, Damalinia sp; and fed upon by by biting fly Culicoides. sp. Helminth ova found were Strongyl sp. and Fasciola. sp.; protozoan. Babesia sp. in blood and Eimeria sp. in faeces. The significance of tick as vector of parasites of domestic animals and the potential risk of kob as reservoir of the parasites these vectors transmit are discussed. The prevalence of Strongyl sp. and Fasciola sp. ova as reflection of worm burden and potential pasture contamination are highlighted

Assessing the population status of wildlife is useful for enhancing biodiversity management strategies in protected areas. This study was carried out within the framework of the Faro National Park (FNP) management plan. The objective was to provide baseline data on the status and population dynamics of the Buffon's kob (Kobus kob kob). The surveys were conducted in the month of June at the beginning of the rainy season. Data were collected along 145 line transects of 2.5 km apart and analysed using Distance 7.2 and Quantum GIS 3.4 software. The Buffon's kob population was estimated to comprise around 4,094 ± 1,303 individuals, with an overall density of 1.24 individuals/km². When compared to results from a study conducted in the year 2000, the concentration of Buffon's kob was higher in the northern part of the national park as opposed to the southern part, as was previously recorded. The population trend shows an extensive decline of approximately 80% compared to records of the year 2000. There was also a weak negative correlation between Buffon's kob density and human activities in the FNP.

The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), though widespread throughout Africa, is suspected to be declining overall. Data on population numbers and structure are lacking for many parts of its range, especially in West Africa, where the subspecies defassa is found. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the abundance, distribution and attributes of waterbuck populations from the Nazinga Forest Reserve, southern Burkina Faso. We investigated waterbuck population trends in the park using transect data collected in 1985–2019. For the more detailed analyses of population structure and distribution of the animals, we used census data gathered during 2019. Most animals were adults (46.6%), and the sex ratio was heavily skewed towards females (5:1). Most animals were concentrated along the larger rivers. There was no influence of poacher activity on waterbuck distribution. In the long term (1985–2019), the population dynamics of waterbuck can be roughly divided into two main periods: a phase of population increase from 1985 to 2005, and one of ongoing population collapse from 2007 to 2019. Although the declining population trend was obvious, coefficients of determination were low indicating that the years explained poorly the number of individuals and the number of sightings obtained. Waterbuck numbers in the Nazinga Forest Reserve are declining, but we found no single reason to explain this trend. It is likely that a combination of factors, including global warming (increased aridity) and illegal activities such as poaching, is responsible. Because there are probably multiple reasons for the observed waterbuck population decline in our study area, we suggest that a multifaceted approach should be adopted in order to enhance the conservation status of the local waterbuck populations.

Assessing human-induced threatening factors to wildlife is the basis in determining and proposing appropriate conservation measures. The present study was conducted to assess impacts of human activities on wildlife in Gambella National Park, Southwest of Ethiopia, from October 2015 to March 2016, focusing on the case of Nile Lechwe (Kobus megaceros). The data in this study were gathered using questionnaires with structured interview and focus group discussion. Data on the threatening factors were compared among villages using chi-square test in SPSS version 20 software. Out of the 384 respondents, 139(36.2), 51(13.2) 49(12.8), 43(11.2) and 41(10.7%) of them informed that agricultural investment, illegal hunting, overgrazing, rice cultivation in the area and habitat loss, respectively, were the most predominant human factors affecting Nile Lechwe. Thus suggests that agricultural expansion and illegal hunting are those human activities with the highest impact on the Nile Lechwe. Before designing and implementing any development investment particularly large scale agricultural expansions, the government and other stakeholders should give consideration and attention to the rapidly declining natural resource beside to the development. Therefore, designing appropriate eco-friendly management with options must be adopted to mediate the effects and minimize future impacts. Key words: Agriculture, anthropogenic disturbance, habitats, Nile Lechwe, Gambella National park, wildlife.

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are eating deep into conservation areas and this is a serious threat to species diversity and abundance. Species like the antelopes have a sedentary and docile nature which makes them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation or human intrusion. The effect becomes complex as the remaining flora and fauna communities can be significantly impacted by changes in ecosystem structure and function. Population density, diversity and abundance of fauna species will either increase or decrease over time depending on the quality of the environment/habitat and the level of human interference or disturbance. Hence an updated checklist of species diversity and abundance is necessary to enable management and other stakeholders make pragmatic plans and policy towards sustainable species conservation. With the aid of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a 5 km transect was established per site and censured for Antelope species using the King Census method of enumeration. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Seven (7) species of Antelopes were recorded. Kobs (Kobus kob) were the most abundant (2019), while Reedbuck (Redunca redunca) was the least abundant with twenty-five (25) individuals. Kob is the most observed species in Oli Complex with 24.13%, ranking about 50% of kob in proportion. This was followed by roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), and Red Flanked duiker, 4.02% and 3.63% respectively. Kobs had the highest density of 40.38 per square km followed by roan antelope (3.32) and RF duiker (2.36). Relative density followed a similar trend. The least encounter rate was observed in Sylvicapra grimmia (0.02) and increse further to Hippotragus equinus (0.4), Redunca redunca (0.06) and Alcelaphus buselaphus (0.09) respectively. It was low amongst Tragelaphus scriptus (0.2), and moderate, while it was very high amongst the kobs (5.0). The rate of encountering an antelope in the park is very high at a rate of 6.2 animals per kilometer. Species of antelopes are almost not found in other ranges due to anthropogenic activities around the park. These activities are fast entering into the core area of the park. Hence management should take effective measure to curb this fast-rising problem.

Background Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the percentage of positive samples of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017. Results A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 22), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall percentage of positive samples in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6–37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5–71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p p Brucella spp. detected in African elephant and bushbuck. Conclusion This study shows variations in percentage of positive samples with Brucella spp. between species and across national parks and notably a high percentage with Brucella spp. in wildlife in Uganda than that recorded elsewhere in sub-Saharan region of Africa. Potential for transmission to other wildlife and spill over to livestock is high especially in national parks with high livestock-wildlife interaction.

Many terrestrial mammalian migrations are disappearing before they are documented. The Boma-Jonglei ecosystem in South Sudan, one of the world’s poorest and most conflicted countries, contains some of the largest, longest, and least studied ungulate migrations. A rapidly increasing human population, ongoing armed conflict, and looming oil development, however, threatens the migration of 800,000 white-eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis) and 160,000 tiang (Damaliscus lunatus tiang) in this system. To document these migrations and identify potential conflicts, we examined the movements of ungulates in the Boma-Jonglei ecosystem using data from 14 collared individuals (12 kob, 2 tiang). We identified two separate dry season ranges of kob; from each, kob initiated migration with the onset of the rainy season, and migrated to a shared rainy season range also shared by the tiang. The maximum straight-line distance between telemetry locations of kob (399 km) and tiang (298 km) on their dry and rainy season ranges indicated these migrations were among the longest in Africa. The kob range was 68,805 km2, 29% of which was within national parks and 72% within leased oil concessions (54–83% of parks overlap with potential oil concessions). The range of the tiang (35,992 km2) occurred almost entirely (> 99%) within land leased to oil companies. Because disruption or elimination of these migrations will inevitably lead to significant population reductions, maintenance of the migration routes we identified through additional protection measures are essential to conserve one of the largest ungulate aggregations in the world.

In West Africa, whether in forests or savannahs, most of the large mammal species have a scattered spatial distribution. Monitoring their population size represents a logistic, financial, theoretical challenge because counting of transects is not appropriate, unlike elsewhere in Africa. In this study, we (i) analyse the patterns of interannual (2006–2008) changes in population density of seven sympatric species of savannah herbivores in a protected area of Burkina Faso with two alternative methods: dung counts versus direct counts and (ii) quantify the economic costs for these two methods. The seven species of mammals we considered are the following: Hippotragus equinus, Alcelaphus busephalus, Sylvicapra grimmia, Tragelaphus scriptus, Ourebia ourebi, Kobus ellipsiprymnus and Phacochoerus africanus. A distance methodology was used to generate estimates with both methods. There were significant correlations between estimates of mammal density obtained using dung counts and direct counts, and an analysis of covariance revealed that the interannual trends in population densities were consistently detected with both methods. In addition, the dung count method costs 55% less. Thus, our study documents that dung counts can be used as a proxy of population size fluctuations for the seven studied species, offering a methodological alternative that is much less expensive, less sophisticated in terms of equipment compared to other methods and that can be performed by field staff with moderate professional qualification. We suggest that standardized campaigns of dung count surveys may be applied to all protected areas and savannah in Burkina Faso, West Africa, in order to improve evidence-based, large-scale conservation and management planning in the region.

How do large-mammal communities reassemble after being pushed to the brink of extinction? Few data are available to answer this question, as it is rarely possible to document both the decline and recovery of wildlife populations. Here we present the first in-depth quantitative account of war-induced collapse and postwar recovery in a diverse assemblage of large herbivores. In Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, we assembled data from 15 aerial wildlife counts conducted before (1968–1972) and after (1994–2018) the Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992). Pre-war total biomass density exceeded 9,000 kg km-2, but populations declined by >90% during the war. Since 1994, total biomass has substantially recovered, but species composition has shifted dramatically. Formerly dominant large herbivores—including elephant (Loxodonta africana), hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius), buffalo (Syncerus caffer), zebra (Equus quagga), and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)—are now outnumbered by waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) and other small to mid-sized antelopes. Waterbuck abundance has increased by an order of magnitude, with >55,000 individuals accounting for >74% of large-herbivore biomass in 2018. By contrast, elephant, hippo, and buffalo, which totaled 89% of pre-war biomass, now comprise just 23%. These trends mostly reflect natural population growth following the resumption of protection under the Gorongosa Restoration Project; reintroductions (465 animals of 7 species) accounted for a comparatively small fraction of the total numerical increase. Waterbuck are growing logistically, apparently as-yet unchecked by interspecific competition or predation (apex-carnivore abundance has been low throughout the post-war interval), suggesting a community still in flux. Most other herbivore populations have increased post-war, albeit at differing rates. Armed conflict remains a poorly understood driver of ecological change; our results demonstrate the potential for rapid post-war recovery of large-herbivore biomass, given sound protected-area management, but also suggest that restoration of community structure takes longer and may require active intervention.

Range extensions to Butler County (Albizia julibrissin Durazz., Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid., and Magnolia kobus DC.), Mercer County (Bellis perennis L.), Venango County (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don), and both Allegheny and Lawrence Counties (Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.) are reported. All species are nonnative to Pennsylvania, and L. cuneata and A. julibrissin are considered invasive species in the commonwealth. The occurrence of M. kobus from a wet lowland forest in Butler County represents the first naturalized report of the species from the western half of the commonwealth. The reports of A. gigantea from Allegheny and Lawrence Counties are notable because they represent the second known occurrences of naturalized populations in Pennsylvania.

The impact of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on the distributions of buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ), harte­beest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus ), roan antelope ( Hippotragus equinus ) and waterbuck ( Kobus defassa ) at Mole National Park was assessed by transect survey. Generalized linear mixed effects logistic re­gression was used to model mammal presence/absence as a function of ecological factors. Hartebeest inhabited highlands and avoided floodplains but buffalo and roan avoided floodplains by selecting both lowlands and highlands while waterbuck inhabited lowlands but not necessarily the floodplains. Fire, water availability and anthropogenic activities were limiting factors, which constrained habitat use to make some areas unexplored for foraging. Buffalo, roan and hartebeest did not inhabit areas close to the park’s boundaries. Herbivores need optimal environment almost free of constraints to construct their distribution patterns. Therefore, management should address the problems identified in this study to ensure the herbivores’ redistribution to maximise their use of resources for their effective conservation.

Setyawan AD, Sugiyarto. 2015. Diversity of Selaginella in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 1312-1317. Eastern Java has a relatively drier climate than other parts of Java, but it still has quite a lot of cool mountain areas and provide enough water, for example, Bromo Tengger and Semeru Mountains complex. Selaginella is a herbaceous plant that need water for reproduction, thus it is important to know its existence in the dry climates region due to global climate change. This aims of this study was to determine the species diversity of Selaginella in the National Park of Bromo Tengger and Semeru (BTSNP), East Java. Field study was conducted in August 2007 and May 2015, and followed by observation of specimen collection of Herbarium Bogoriense, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences Cibinong, Bogor. From the field research, there were collected five herbarium specimens, while the herbaria collections observed were 49 sheets of specimens. The results showed that in this park and its border areas, there were found eight species of Selaginella, namely: S. ciliaris, S. intermedia, S. involvens, S. opaca, S. ornata, S. plana, S. remotifolia and S. singalanensis. However, the morphological characteristic of S. intermedia and S. singalanensis needs to be further confirmed since each of them was only observed from a single sheet herbarium, namely O Posthumus 1615 and Kobus Tosari 147, respectively. In Java, S. intermedia was mainly distributed in the western part of Java. Meanwhile, the presence of S. singalanensis in Java was relatively rare.

Multiple land uses including tourism, hunting, and agriculture around protected areas can be a serious complication for wildlife management. We calculated habitat selection indices (Manly's alpha) for 10 bovid species in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin, west Africa, to assess if habitat use differed in each bovid species between hunting and non-hunting zones. Presence/absence data was used in resource-selection functions based on a generalized linear mixed effect model to examine factors that explained bovid species distribution. We observed stronger avoidance of open habitat types in the hunting zone than in the non hunting zone for the hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus, oribi Ourebia ourebi, roan Hippotragus equines, kob Kobus kob, Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa and reedbuck Redunca redunca. In contrast, in grey duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, red-flanked duiker Cephalophus rufilatus, bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus and buffalo Syncerus caffer we found no differences in habitat use between hunte...

Six species of Magnolia L., growing in the Botanical Garden of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin which is located on the north-western outskirts of the city of Lublin, were studied during the period 2006-2008. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of leaf and flower development in these Magnolia species under the climatic and soil conditions of Lublin as well as to evaluate the size of their leaves and long shoots. The present study included the following species: M. acuminata L., M. kobus DC, M. liliiflora Desr., M. salicifolia Siebold et Zuch, M. x soulangiana Soul.- -Bod., and M. tripetala L. The magnolia trees were planted in 1968-1989 on grey-brown podzolic soil derived from loess. The study area is affected by the continental climate which is characterized by large annual amplitude of temperatures, long summers as well as long and cold winters. The long-term average annual air temperature for this region is 8.1oC, while the long-term average annual rainfall reaches 541.6 mm. The obtained results showed that, among the Magnolia species studied, M. salicifolia flowered earliest under the climatic and soil conditions of Lublin, while M. tripetala was the last to bloom. Full leaf development, on average for the study period, was recorded earliest in M. salicifolia and M. liliiflora, whereas it occurred latest in M. tripetala. The leaves of M. tripetala were characterized by the greatest length and width, while the smallest leaves were recorded in M. kobus. M. liliiflora was found to show the smallest annual shoot increments and the lowest number of leaves.

Information pertaining to the commercial availability of fish species in South Africa remains sparse, even though it is crucial for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions in favour of their own well being and the well being of the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the most commonly available fish species in South Africa by means of surveys of restaurants ( n = 215) and retail outlets ( n = 200) and to assess the conservation statuses of the observed species. Furthermore, the processing states in which fish were mostly sold (fresh, frozen, whole or filleted) and the quality of information available to consumers on fish at the point of sale were evaluated. Kingklip was found to be the most commonly marketed fish species in restaurants, while hake was observed most frequently in retail outlets. More than 30% of the observed species were of conservation concern and included, amongst others, kingklip, kabeljou (kob), east- and west coast soles and geelbek. Specially-protected, illegal-to-sell fish in South Africa, such as white steenbras, white musselcracker and Natal stumpnose, were marketed in restaurants and retail outlets. This study highlighted the poor ability of fish purveyors in South Africa to provide information on the identity, origin, production method and sustainability of fish being sold. Additionally, the labelling of many packaged fish products in retail outlets was in contravention with South African regulations. Poor vendor awareness, disparate naming practices and the highly processed nature of fishery products provide an opportunity for unintentional or deliberate mislabelling of fish in South Africa.

The behaviour of waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus was studied at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. Lake Nakuru NP has the highest known population density of waterbuck. At any moment, only 7% of the adult males held a territory. Only about 20% of the males surviving to prime age were likely to become territory owners during their lifetime. Males were territorial all year round. About half of the territorial males tolerated one or several “satellite males” on the territory. About 9% of the adult males were satellites, the remaining 84% were bachelor males. Territories containing a satellite male and territories without satellites did not differ in average number of adult females recorded on them. Bachelor males were recorded in groups with adult females less often than territory holders and satellites and were recorded with fewer adult females when females were present. Nevertheless, some individual bachelor males were recorded more often with adult females and with more adult females than some territory holders. Zusammenfassung Das Verhalten von Wasserbocken, Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa, wurde 25 Monate lang im Nakuru-Nationalpark, Kenya, registriert. Im Nakuru-Nationalpark leben Wasserbocke in der hochsten bisher bekannten Populationsdichte. Etwa die Halfte der Territoriumsbesitzer duldete ein oder mehrere weitere adulte Mannchen als “Satellitenmannchen” im Territorium. Eine solche Gemeinschaft dauerte 13 Monate. Stets hielten nur etwa 7% der adulten Mannchen ein Territorium. Etwa 9% der adulten Mannchen waren Satelliten, die restlichen 84% Junggesellen. Nur etwa 20% der Mannchen, die bis zur Vollreife uberleben, werden jemals Territoriumsbesitzer. Mannchen hielten ein Territorium wahrend des ganzen Jahres. Zwei Monate vor einem Besitzwechsel fanden sich haufiger Satellitenmannchen auf einem Territorium als zwei Monate danach. In Territorien mit und ohne Satelliten hielten sich im Durchschnitt gleich viele Weibchen auf. Die meisten Junggesellen werden seltener mit adulten Weibchen zusammen gesehen als Territoriumbesitzer und Satelliten, und wenn sie mit Weibchen gesehen wurden, dann war deren durchschnittliche Anzahl niedriger als bei Territoriumsbesitzern und Satelliten. Manche Junggesellen wurden allerdings haufiger und mit mehr adulten Weibchen gesehen als manche Territoriumsbesitzer. Kopulationen gab es auch in Junggesellenherden. Das dominante Mannchen in einer Junggesellen-Herde kann vielleicht ebenso viele Kopulationen erzielen wie manche Territoriumsbesitzer. “Satelliten”, die in der Nahe von dominanten Artgenossen bleiben, kennt man von einigen anderen Saugern, Vogeln und Fischen. Zwei Hypothesen werden aufgestellt: Nach der “Parasiten-Hypothese” ist der Aufwand, einen Satelliten fernzuhalten, hoher als der Schaden, den dieser verursacht. Nach der “Netto-Nutzen-Hypothese” bringt die Anwesenheit eines Satelliten auch Vorteile, und diese wiegen schwerer als der Schaden, den seine Anwesenheit verursacht. Die Evolution der Kooperation von Artgenossen, die eigentlich miteinander in Konkurrenz stehen, wird diskutiert.

Territorial aggression in a lek breeding population of white-eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis) was investigated in the Boma National Park region, southern Sudan. The frequency of aggression on leks was positively related to the number of females present, but generally declined over the course of the breeding season. Males fought most strenuously for central territories that were preferred by females. Males with females in their territories were more frequently engaged in fights than unaccompanied males. Such fights often induced females to leave their original partners, especially when large groups of females were involved. Territorial aggression led to damaging injuries in several instances, and mortality of breeding age males was disproportionately high. These results suggest that the intensity of aggression exhibited by territorial males was scaled to potential reproductive benefits.

The small size of many African protected areas makes adjacent rangelands potentially important in the local survival of wild animals. In order to assess the importance of pastoral areas to wild ungulates, we studied density and habitat choice of wild ungulates and cattle in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda, the adjacent exclusively pastoral Nshara Dairy Ranch and on private land consisting of a mixture of ranching and subsistence farms. Transects, in the three land-use zones, were walked during the wet season and the data were analysed by DISTANCE sampling technique. We found significantly higher total density of wild ungulates on the dairy ranch compared with the National Park and private land. There was no significant difference in total wild animal density between the National Park and private land. Impala (Aepyceros melampus), zebra (Equus quagga), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) had significantly higher densities on the dairy ranch compared to the National Park. Only eland (Taurotragus oryx) density was higher in the National Park compared to private land. Wild ungulates and cattle showed a high degree of habitat overlap, generally preferring open grassland. Our study shows that high densities of wild ungulates are not necessarily associated with protected areas. Pastoral areas may be important for populations of wild herbivores during the growing season despite a pronounced presence of livestock.

Resource manipulation, such as the creation and maintenance of grazing lawns, may shape the structure of herbivore communities. We tested the hypothesis that grazing lawns contribute towards the subsistence of the Kobus kob kob in a dystrophic West African savanna, where kob and Hippopotamus amphibius both occur. Comparison of the foliage of grazing lawns and ungrazed swards shows that hippo lawns are more nutritious with regard to both structure and nutrients; kob lawns are higher in nutrients only. Up to the early dry season, hippo lawns meet kob energy and protein demand, thereafter, the shortness of the sward limits intake. Kob lawns always provide sub-maintenance values. Grazing on ungrazed swards is least profitable. We suggest that grazing lawns are essential for the daily subsistence of mesoherbivores, particularly on nutrient-poor soil, and that megaherbivores facilitate their food supply, for at least part of the year.

Although there are populations of puku antelope Kobusvardoni (Livingstone) scattered throughout eastern and centralAfrica, it is estimated that 75% of the total population is now restricted tothe Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. The Kilombero Valley is an area rich inagricultural potential and natural resources; wildlife populations are also highand the inner valley is a Game Controlled Area, although this only provideslimited protection. Aerial surveys during the 1989, 1994 and 1998 dry seasonsshowed the puku population to be stable at around50000–60000 animals. Livestock populations fluctuated, butincreased from 17309 ± 6487 to 54047 ±17247 over the same period. Signs of human activity (e.g. huts, fieldsand livestock) were highest around the edge of the Game Controlled Area,indicating intense pressure on 'boundary-zone' habitats at thefloodplain–woodland interface. Puku use 'boundary-zone'habitats during the wet season when large areas of grassland are flooded.Potential threats to the puku population are therefore likely due to habitatdegradation through over-grazing by domestic herbivores, agriculturalencroachment, and the expansion of human settlements. Licensed trophyhunting probably has a negligible impact on puku because of very low off-take, but illegalhunting represents a serious threat near human settlements during thewet season and in accessible parts of the floodplain during the dry season.

The kob (Kobus kob kob) population studied in the Comoe National Park, Ivory Coast, suffered unsustainable losses to poaching before and during the investigation. This in turn did not only lead to low densities but also changed the population composition, resulting in a strong female bias in all age classes except juveniles. The relative rarity of adult males probably had negative effects on the population recruitment. Although mating occurred throughout the year and birth intervals were short, at least in some females, annual birth-rate was low compared to earlier studies in the same area. Effective conservation measures are urgently needed to ensure the future existence of the studied population. Resume La population de kobes (Kobus kob kob) etudiee au Parc National de Comoe, en Cote d'Ivoire, a souffert de pertes insoutenables dues au braconnage, avant et pendant les investigations. Ceci a entraine non seulement de faibles densites mais aussi des changements de la composition de la population, avec pour resultat un biais important en faveur des femelles dans toutes les classes d'âge sauf les juveniles. Bien que les accouplements aient lieu toute l'annee et que les intervalles entre les naissances soient courts, en tout cas pour certaines femelles, le taux de natalite annuel etait faible compare aux etudes realisees precedemment dans la region. Il faut absolument prendre des mesures de conservation urgentes et efficaces pour garantir l'avenir de la population etudiee.

High cattle densities, expanding human settlements and the conversion of miombo woodland into farms and teak plantations are threatening wildlife populations in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania, and conservation research on this internationally important wetland is required as part of an integrated approach to its future management. The effect of land-use change on antelopes (family Bovidae) was investigated by surveying tracks and dung during three seasons over 1999–2000 in an area of mixed land-use. Use of miombo woodland, grassland and farmland habitats by antelopes was highest during the wet season (April–May), probably representing the movements of animals away from the floodplain. Duiker, puku Kobus vardoni and reedbuck Redunca spp. predominantly used the farmland during the wet season, at which time buffalo Syncerus caffer were more common in the miombo woodland. The findings of this study have three main implications for the conservation of the valley. Firstly, the inadvertent provision of suitable wet season habitats for puku and other small-medium antelopes by rice farmers could lead to higher levels of illegal hunting, and may increase the potential for conflict between agriculture and wildlife. Secondly, the loss of miombo vegetation will most strongly affect the larger species of antelope (sable Hippotragus niger and waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus), which favour open-woodland habitats; future work should therefore determine levels of habitat use by antelopes in and around maturing teak plantations. Thirdly, any management prescriptions to conserve the Kilombero Valley should include the land on the edge of the floodplain.

Few studies are available on the population dynamics of medium and large mammals in gallery forests of the Sudan and Sahel regions of West Africa. Line-transect studies of the abundance (estimated by KIA) of nine species of ungulates and three species of primates were carried out between 2004 and 2013 in the Comoé-Leraba protected area of Burkina Faso, West Africa. No peer-reviewed study of population sizes of mammals in this protected area has been published, making the data presented of special relevance. Population size trends varied significantly across years in both primates and ungulates, with some species (Papio anubis, Phacochoerus africanus, Alcelaphus busephalus and Tragelaphus scriptus) decreasing consistently. Significant relationships were observed between poaching intensity and population oscillations in Erythrocebus patas, Kobus ellipsiprymnus, Kobus kob, Ourebia ourebi and Cephalophus rufilatus.

In the Comoe National Park, Ivory Coast, there has been a tremendous decrease in all larger mammal species between 1978 and 1998. We document the degree of this decrease for the 11 most abundant ungulate species by comparing density estimates from two earlier studies undertaken in 1978 and 1984 with our own results from 1995 and 1998. Within the last 20 years all species included in the analysis experienced decreases between 60% and more than 90%. The species that suffered most were the duikers and other small antelopes up to the size of the kob antelope (Kobus kob kob). The larger decline of the smaller species also resulted in changes of the ungulate community, which in turn might affect other taxa such as large carnivores, and the entire ecosystem. The observed decreases can most likely be attributed to intensive poaching that occurred and still occurs throughout the park. Future conservation measures will hopefully stop this.

Spatial and temporal habitat use of kob antelopes (Kobus kob kob) have been investigated in the Comoe National Park (Ivory Coast, West Africa) by use of radio telemetry. A total of 23 kob were equipped with radio collars and radio tracked for up to 15 months. Home ranges of males were smaller and those of females larger than expected from theoretical models. Adult males used smaller areas than adult females and did not show seasonal home range shifts. Daily distances travelled did not differ between sexes. Kob walked less during the night than by day and covered shorter distances in the wet season. Whereas an increase in home range overlap between females resulted in higher rates of association among individuals, association of adults of mixed sexes was not correlated with the degree of home range overlap. Territorial behaviour of males and predator avoidance by females are suggested to explain the sex-specific differences in home range size of adults and the deviation from the predicted sizes. Predator avoidance is presumed as the main reason for the reduced walking distances at night as well as in the wet season. Reproductive behaviour and feeding ecology are assumed to determine the degree of association of conspecifics. Resume On a etudie par radio-telemetrie l'utilisation spatiale et temporelle de l'habitat par les cobes (Kobus kob kob) au Parc National de Comoe (en Cote d'Ivoire, Afrique de l'Ouest). On a equipe un total de 23 cobes de colliers radio et on les a suivis pendant 15 mois (pour certains). L'espace vital des mâles etait plus petit et celui des femelles plus grand que ce a quoi on s'attendait d'apres les modeles theoriques. Les mâles adultes couvraient une zone plus reduite que les femelles adultes et ne deplacaient pas leur espace vital en fonction des saisons. Les distances parcourues chaque jour etaient les memes pour les deux sexes. Les cobes se deplacaient moins la nuit que le jour, et couvraient de plus courtes distances pendant la saison des pluies. Alors qu'une augmentation du recouvrement entre espaces vitaux des femelles aboutissait a un taux superieur d'associations entre individus, l'association d'adultes des deux sexes n'etait pas liee au taux de recouvrement des espaces vitaux. On suggere que le comportement territorial des mâles et l'evitement des predateurs par les femelles pourraient expliquer les differences, specifiques au sexe, de la dimension de l'espace vital des adultes et la deviation par rapport aux dimensions prevues. On suppose que l'evitement des predateurs est la raison principale de la limitation des deplacements de nuit ainsi qu'en saison des pluies. On suppose que le comportement reproducteur et l'ecologie alimentaire determinent le degre d'association entre membres de la meme espece.

The territorial system of kob antelopes in the Comoe National Park, Cote d’Ivoire, was studied from March 1993 until April 1997. Whereas size and shape of territories remained constant between 1993 and 1994, the number of territories decreased from 1994 onwards. A decline of the population density probably led to the decline in territory numbers and also to variations in size and shape of the remaining territories. The decline of kob numbers is the result of heavy poaching in the study area. Whereas a lekking system was present in the study area prior to 1975 when the population density was approximately 14.4 kobs/km2, males switched to the resource defence territorial system present today after the population density decreased to 12.5/km2 in 1993 and finally to 2.3/km2 in 1997. Compared to other research areas with higher population densities, territories in the Comoe National Park are larger, almost all adult males are capable to defend a territory, fights over territories are rare and loss of territory tenureship is almost exclusively due to the death of the territorial male. We suggest that those differences can all be related to the low population density in the study area. Resume De mars 1993 a avril 1997, on a etudie le systeme territorial des cobes au Parc National de Comoe, en Cote d’Ivoire. Alors que la taille et la forme des territoires restaient constantes entre 1993 et 1994, le nombre de territoires a diminuea partir du 1994. Une baisse de la densite de population a probablement conduit a une reduction du nombre de territoires et aussi a des variations de taille et de forme des territoires restants. La baisse du nombre des cobes resulte du braconnage intense dans la zone etudiee. Alors qu’un systeme de leks existait dans la zone etudiee avant 1975, lorsque la densite de population etait d’environ 14,4 cobes/km2, les mâles ont change pour le systeme de defense territorial base sur les ressources qui existent actuellement, apres que la densite de population a baisse jusqu’a 12,5/km2 en 1993, pour atteindre 2,3/km2 en 1997. Compares aux autres regions d’etudes ou les densites de population sont plus elevees, les territoires sont plus grands dans le Parc National de Comoe, presque tous les mâles adultes sont capables de defendre un territoire, les combats pour des territoires sont rares et la perte de la possession d’un territoire est presque exclusivement due a la mort du mâle qui l’occupait. Nous suggerons que toutes ces differences peuvent etre attribuees a la faible densite de population de la zone etudiee.

Antelopes are prominent wildlife in Waza National Park (NP) that, situated in Sahelo-Sudanian Cameroon, has witnessed dramatic changes in rainfall, flooding and management. Scholte, Adam & Bobo (2007) reviewed 26 aerial and terrestrial surveys, comprising total, transect and partial counts from 1960 till 2002. Estimated numbers of kob [Kobus kob (Erxleben)] dropped from 20,000 in the 1960s to 2000 in the mid-1980s. They recovered to over 6000 in the late 1990s due to increased flooding. Estimated numbers of korrigum [Damaliscus lunatus korrigum (Burchell)] and roan [Hippotragus equinus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire)] dropped in the early 1970s and only slightly recovered in the 1990s. The diversity of the counting methods notwithstanding, Scholte, Adam & Bobo (2007) attributed the drop in kob numbers and the disappearance of waterbuck [Kobus elypsiprymnus (Ogilby)] to the construction of the Maga dam in 1979 followed by drought. They further argued that antelope–livestock contacts, provoking the transmission of diseases, especially rinderpest, better explained the drops in population numbers than poaching. However, concern was expressed on increasing human pressure and declining numbers of park guards (Scholte, 2005). Recent reports on escalating poaching (Tumenta et al., 2010) motivated the organization of a total waterhole count to assess recent changes in antelope populations. To avoid taking a snapshot of the current situation only, results are presented along other counts conducted since 2002. This study also aims at contributing to the understanding of the continent-wide decline in large mammals, especially how long-term environmental changes interact with human pressure (Caro & Scholte, 2007; Scholte, 2011).

SummaryAlthough bushmeat is known locally to be an important source of protein, large-scale patterns of demand are poorly defined. One area for which information is especially lacking is northern Cameroon, and this study therefore conducted a survey of 345 households in this region. Information sought from questionnaire interviews included the frequency of consumption, species preferences, and prices of bushmeat, together with people's perceptions of trends in the wildlife population involved. Bushmeat was estimated to represent c. 24% of the animal protein intake in the region and respondents generally preferred bushmeat to meat from domestic livestock. North African porcupine (Hystrix cristata) was the most preferred species, closely followed by guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), and Buffon's kob (Kobus kob). There was a tendency for the price of a kilogramme of bushmeat to decrease with the weight of the animal. A majority of the respondents said they perceived declines in some wild animal species within the last 10 years. For those who eat bushmeat one or more times a week, there was a tendency for villagers to eat more bushmeat than for people in towns. A number of measures should be taken, including wildlife farming and domestication and anti-poaching measures in national parks.

As part of a biological assessment of Toro Game Reserve, the status of Uganda kob Kobus kob thomasi Newmann, was studied. A survey of traditional mating grounds, foot transects and opportunistic sightings was used to determine population size and structure. The influences of habitat, predation and poaching intensity were also investigated. This study indicates that the population of kob in Toro Game Reserve is approximately 100 animals and, though small, has a viable structure for expansion. Data indicate a comparatively high proportion of females in the population, with a ratio of adult females:adult males:juveniles (< 1.5 years old) of 5:2:2. The preferred habitat is the major vegetation type within the Reserve and presents no limiting factor to population growth. Predator levels are low and the principal threat to the survival of Uganda kob is poaching.

Past and present distribution of Kob (Kobus kob) within the Nigeria protected landscapes was studied. Reconnaissance survey of all the parks and some of the existing game reserves were conducted to ascertain whether the animals have existed in those areas before or they still exist. Questionnaires were administered to both the officials and residents of the surrounding villages and enclaves of those parks where Kob (Kobus kob) still exists. Coordinates of the park or reserves where the animals have existed before or are still present were taken and was used to draw their previous and current national distribution map within the country. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that Kob existed in eleven protected areas but they are now restricted to ranges within three national parks. Responses concerning sighting of Kob in almost all the parks currently inhabited were more coherent and consistent from 2000 to date. Approximately 50% of the respondents in Kainji, 89% for Gashaka, 100% for Old Oyo National Parks confirmed that they can recognize and have seen the animal before. It was also confirmed that Kobs in Kainji are more stable in status than those in Gashaka and Old Oyo respectively. Thus, it was concluded that the national range landscape of Kob has shrunk tremendously in Nigeria. Key words: Kob, status, range, distribution, national parks, protected area.

Summary Historical records of black lechwe numbers in the Bangweulu Swamps in northern Zambia indicate a major population decline during the first half of this century followed by a minor recovery during the years 1970-83. Aerial censuses conducted during October 1988-91 suggest that the population has ceased to increase and the lechwe are now being maintained at approximately 30,000 by the illegal hunting of at least 3000 individuals per annum. Poaching may also be implicated in the apparent large-scale changes in distribution of lechwe throughout the swamps. The conservation importance of high-density concentrations of lechwe, which occur during the wet season on shallow-water ftoodplains in certain localities on the periphery of the swamp, is highlighted. Resume Des rapports anciens sur le nombre de cobes lechwes noirs dans les marais de Bangweulu au nord de la Zambie indiquent une diminution importante de la population pendant la premiere moitie de ce siecle, suivie d'une reprise mineure entre 1970 et 1983. Des recensements aeriens effectues en octobre, de 1988 a 1991, montreraient que la population a cesse d'augmenter et que les lechwes sont maintenus aux environs de 30000 a cause de la chasse illegale d'au moins 3000 animaux par an. Le braconnage est peutetre aussi responsable des changements apparemment a grande echelle de la distribution des lechwes dans les marais. On met en evidence l'importance de la conservation des fortes concentrations de lechwes, qui se rassemblent en saison des pluies dans les eaux basses des plaines inondables, dans certaines localites situees a la periperie des marais.

The mating system and ecology of black lechwe Kobus leche smithemani was studied in the Bangweulu Basin, northern Zambia. Black lechwe were migratory and concentrated at high density during the wet season on shallow water floodplain and peripheral grassland. Female lechwe were evenly distributed in small groups within the two major habitat types, and density was related to water depth and the quality of vegetation. A proportion of the adult male population defended small, contiguous, resource-based territories of approximately 1–2 ha in size. Particularly high density concentrations of male and female lechwe occurred on small raised areas, which remained dry in comparison to the inundated floodplain. These areas superficially resembled the leks of other reduncine antelope. However, the presence of vegetational resources and the comparatively low levels of agonistic and sexual behaviour suggested that raised areas were clusters of resource-based territories. We suggest that the absence of lek-breeding in this high density population of lechwe is related to the homogeneity of vegetational resources and the corresponding even distribution of females. This may have led to a reduction in male harassment of oestrous females and the increased ability of males to retain oestrous females within single resource territories.

Summary Territorial male puku (Kobus vardoni) have thicker necks than bachelors, develop a glandular secretion on their necks and utter bouts of whistles. The neckpatch develops at the time when bachelor males move into the territorial areas and when most conceptions occur. Interactions between two territorial males usually result in a face-off, whilst interactions between a bachelor male and a territorial male usually result in a chase. In both cases, the neckpatch may act as a territorial ‘badge’ which prevents escalation of the interaction. Resume Le cob de Vardon mâle territorial a un cou plus epais que les mâles celibataires, developpe une secretion glandulaire au niveau du cou et pousse de brefs siffle-ments. La glande du cou se developpe a 1'epoque ou les mâles celibataires penetrent dans les espaces territoriaux, en saison de reproduction. Les interactions entre deux mâles territoriaux debouchent generalement sur un retrait tandis qu'entre un mâle celibataire et un mile territorial, elle aboutit d'habitude a une poursuite. Dans les deux cas, la glande du cou joue le role d'un ‘badge’ territorial qui empeche l'escalade de la confrontation.

A massive outbreak of anthrax in the wildlife of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe between August and November 2004 resulted in the death of almost all the reserve's estimated 500 kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Other species badly affected were nyala (Tragelaphus angasi), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) and roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), which suffered losses of approximately 68 per cent, 48 per cent, 44 per cent and 42 per cent of their populations, respectively. Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) were also badly affected and although their population suffered only a 6 per cent loss, the numbers of deaths ranked second highest after kudu. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first record of anthrax in wildlife in Zimbabwe.

Le nombre et la repartition du kob de Buffon ont diminue au cours des annees recentes. Il vit surtout dans les forets seches avec des herbes basses et dans la grande foret humide de plaine avec de grandes herbes, mais aussi dans les forets de montagne avec des savanes, et exceptionnellement dans les forets humides a mangroves

In lek-breeding ungulates, males defend small territories clustered on traditional mating grounds called leks. One explanation for the evolution of lek-breeding is that males hold lek territories as a default strategy when they cannot monopolize females by defending female home ranges, stable female groups or predictable resource patches. The assumptions of this explanation were tested by comparing the distribution of males, females and resources in a lekking antelope, the Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi) in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Methods included repeated censuses along transects and multiple Poisson regression. Female kob were associated strongly with short, green grass and more weakly with particular growth stages, vegetation communities and landforms

Summary The social organization of waterbuck in a Rhodesian game park has a profound effect on the spatial and forage-habitat utilization by different social groups. Territorial behaviour effectively prevents bachelor groups from using high quality food resources in recently burnt areas and in certain zones of the shoreline community. In order to overcome the effects of the dry season on available food resources, waterbuck practised a divergence in habitat selection from grass species in woodlands, to hydrophytic plant species along the shoreline of Lake Mcllwaine. Territory size appears to be related to the quality and availability of food resources. RESUMEE L'organisation sociale du waterbuck dans une reserve de chasse de Rhodesie a un effet marque sur l'utilisation spatiale et celle des ressources fourageres par differents groupes sociaux. Le mode de comportement territorial previent efficacement la formation de groupes de jeunes males par l'utilisation de ressources alimentaires de haute qualite dans les zones recemment brulees et dans certaines zones de communautes littorales. Pour surmonter les effets de la saison seche sur la disponibilite de nourriture, le waterbuck pratique une diversification dans la selection des habitats, depuis les especes de graminees en region boisee jusqu'aux especes de plantes hydrophytes le long des rives du lac Mcllwaine. La dimesion du territoire semble avoir rapport a la qualite et a la distribution des resources alimentaires.

A further survey in East Caprivi, Chobe National Park, Okavango swamps and Kavango was undertaken in June 1976. No evidence of lechwe schistosomes was found in droppings of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) nor baboons (Papio ursinus) living in lechwe habitats. It was thought that they were not capable of spreading or maintaining these parasites outside the confines of the known distribution of Kobus sp. The role of goats was equivocal but probably they too are poor hosts.Kavango, an endemic area of S. haematobium and S. mansoni, was thought to be free of all animal schistosomes, thus confirming the hypotheses that (1) cattle and goats are poor hosts of the lechwe schistosomes and (2)S. mattheei was blocked from entering the territory by the presence of lechwe schistosomes in the surrounding areas. Evidence of schistosomes was not found in cattle and goats at Maun for the same reasons. The prevalence of S. mansoni at Maun has increased alarmingly over the past 20 years with a simultaneous disappearance of lechwe from the area. S. margrebowiei and S. leiperi eggs were found in lechwe and tsessebe droppings some 80 km north of Maun.A high proportion of children with negative excreta from “non-endemic” areas in East Caprivi had positive CFT and/or skin tests, suggestive of exposure to lechwe schistosomes resulting in a possible immunity to S. mansoni and S. haematobium.

Summary The dynamics of a population of waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) (Ogilby, 1833) which was believed to be declining were investigated in the Umfolozi Game Reserve using ground and aerial methods. Abundance estimates produced are higher than previous ones, and no significant decline was found during the study period. The validity of previous trend estimates is questioned. An analysis of population structure does, however, suggest that the population was declining, the reason being a high (81%) mortality of calves. Simple modelling of the population indicates that with the present sub-maximal fecundity, first year mortality would have to be reduced to 55% before stability could be expected. This figure would be just over 60% if fecundity were maximized. The importance of juvenile mortality in affecting mammalian population growth is emphasized. Resume La dynamique d'une population de waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) (Ogilby, 1833) supposee en diminution fut etudiee dans la Reserve de Chasse de Umfolozi par des methodes terrestres et aeriennes. Les estimations d'abondance qu'on en retire sont superieures aux precedentes et l'on n'a observe aucune diminution significative durant la periode d'etude. La validite des estimations precedentes est mise en question. Une analyse de structure de la population suggere cependant bien qu'elle etait en diminution puis qu'on constatait une mortaliteelevee (81%) parmi les jeunes. Mais une simple modelisation de la population indique qu'avec I'actuelle fecondite sub-maximale, la mortalite de premieire annee aurait duetre ramenee a 55% avant que la stabilite ait pu etre esperee. Cette proportion serait juste superieure a 60% si la fecondite avait ete maximalisee. L'importance de la mortalite juvenile comme facteur influencant la croissance de la population est mise en evidence.

Mweya Peninsula (00? 11'S 29? 53'E) forms the northern shore of the Kazinga Channel at its confluence with Lake Idi Amin Dada (formerly Lake Edward). It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The peninsula (Fig. 1) lies at two levels with a steep fault 30 m high running in a curve from north-east to south-west and dividing the area into two approximately equal parts. The lower area varies between lake level and about 15 m above it and is covered with scattered bushes of Capparis tomentosa Lam. which become dense towards the west. There are also isolated trees of Euphorbia candelabrum Kotschy. The upper part of the peninsula is more grassy and rises to a maximum of about 45 m above lake level. The dominant grass is Sporobolus pyramidalis P. Beauv. but Chloris gayana Kunth is also prominent. The National Park Headquarters, the laboratories of the Uganda Institute of Ecology and the Safari Lodge occupy the eastern part of the upper peninsula which is, therefore, not available to the wild animals although some enter the built-up region particularly at night. The area utilized by the animals is estimated to be about 4-4 km2. A grass airstrip, 950 x 33 m, was built in 1967 along the top of the north-west fault. The only other notable topographical features are three large erosion gullies on the south-east shore. Each is densely vegetated and has a grassy delta projecting into the channel. Mweya Peninsula was chosen for this study for a number of reasons apart from its convenient proximity to the laboratories of the Institute. It is an area which has been studied intensively for a number of years since Petrides & Swank (1965) first counted the game there in 1956 and it was one of the study areas in a series of monthly game counts carried out from 1963 to 1967 (Field & Laws 1970). It is also an area in which detailed studies have been or are being made of the small mammals (Neal 1970), waterbuck (Kobus defassa Ruppell) (Spinage 1967, 1969, 1970), warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus Pallas) (Clough 1969), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus Pallas) passerine birds and of the primary productivity. It has also the advantage of carrying a more or less resident population of animals apart from the elephant which move on and off freely. Fire has been excluded as a policy since 1964 and the area is closed to park visitors. However, the over-riding consideration which prompted the present study was the desire to monitor changes in the large mammal community which may have resulted from the removal of 270 hippopotamus (Hippopotmaus amphibius L.) in 1957-58. Prior to this, the number of