Population density and feeding behaviour of western hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus, Major) in Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the Absolute Population Density, Population Structure, and Food preference of Western hartebeest in the Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park. The study was undertaken to obtain information on the abundance and Population Structure as well as examine the food preferred by the species in the study area using the direct method of census and line transects established using a stratified sampling procedure. The data collected was analyzed using DISTANCE PROGRAMME 5.0. The result revealed that these species abound in each of the habitats. The density of the studied species is 1.12 individuals/km² with an abundance of 6.000 and an effective strip width (ESW) of 60.00 m. This further revealed that the number of Adults outnumbered the sub-adult and juvenile and males more than females while the animal is more of a grazer with high preference on Andropogon gayanus. It was observed that poaching, loss of habitat and disturbance by cattle were the major environmental challenges threatening the survival of the species. Intensive anti-poaching patrols and public enlightenment should be adopted and recommended in other to address the environmental factors militating against the survival of western Hartebeest.