Population status and habitat association of Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus Zimmermann) from Yetefet Woyenat forest, East Gojjam, Ethiopia

Abstract

Klipspringers (Oreotragus oreotragus Zimmermann) are small ungulates with wide geographical range in Africa. The present study deals with the population status and habitat association of klipspringer from Yetefet Woyenat Forest. The study was conducted from September, 2018 to August, 2019 covering both dry and wet seasons. Total count method was used to collect data on current population status of klipspringer by classifying the area in to different blocks. Habitat types where klipspringers mostly spent were also recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. On average of 36 individuals of klipspringers were recorded in the study area. Of these, 32 individuals were recorded during the dry season and 40 individuals during the wet season. There was no significant difference in the population size between dry and wet season (χ² = 0.89, df = 1, p > 0.05). The sex ratio of adult males to adult females was 1.00: 1.23. Klipspringers were mostly observed as solitary or in pairs. Occasionally they form small groups, a male and one or more females with their offspring. The group size varied with food abundance and quality. Mean group size was 2.28±0.7 and 3.07±0.91 during dry and wet seasons, respectively. The population of klipspringer can increase in due time as a result of higher number of adult females than adult males. Habitat encroachment and overgrazing should be minimized. Therefore, the regional government should work with the local people to conserve the animal and other wildlife of the area.