Population size and diurnal activity patterns of Bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca Pallas, 1767) in the compound of Alage Agricultural College, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

What is it about?

Bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca) is a medium-sized African endemic antelope placed under the genus Redunca and in the family Bovidae. There are five subspecies namely; R. redunca redunca, R. r. nigeriensis, R. r. cottoni, R. r. bohor and R. r. wardi, mainly based on small differences in pelage coloration and horn shape. Redunca redunca bohor is the Ethiopian sub-species. Although this species was recorded in different parts of the country, in recent years, reports indicate that its population is gradually declining so that estimation of populations are required to determine its current population status and as an input for conservation action. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the population size and diurnal activity patterns of this species in the compound of Alage Agricultural College, Central rift valley of Ethiopia. Total count was conducted to determine their population size and continuous focal animal observation was used to collect data on activity patterns. The result revealed that the mean population size of Bohor reedbuck in Alage Agricultural College is 51.4 ± 8.55 (SE) with density of 1.74 per km2. The dominant diurnal activity for this species is Feeding (n=366, 45.81%) followed by Resting (n=255, 31.91%) whereas grooming (n=28, 3.51%) is the least performed activity. Alage Agricultural College is an important refuge for this speices and minimum management interference can increase the population size of Bohor reedbuck in the area.

Featured Image