Population size, habitat preference, and feeding ecology of the common bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus decula) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Understanding the population dynamics and ecology of mammals ensures an effective conservation of wildlife. This study was conducted to examine the population status, structure, feeding ecology and habitat preference of common bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus decula) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, covering both wet and dry seasons from August 2018 to March 2019. Data on the population structure and feeding ecology of common bushbuck was collected using a total count and focal sampling methods, respectively. Counting was done at three sites which have fourteen blocks. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with Chi-square, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. The total number of common bushbucks in the study area was 99 and 102 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. There was no significant difference (U = 7413, P < 0.340) in the number of individuals between wet and dry seasons. Of the total individuals observed, 64.5% constituted adults, 25.5% sub-adults and 9.8% unidentified sex. The study documented the consumption of 37 plant species over the study period which herbs comprised the highest proportion (62%), followed by shrubs (16.2%) and trees (13.5%). The most preferred species were Cyanotis barbata (12.29%) and Alchmila pedata (11.64%), whereas Gladiolus abyssinicus (0.14%) and Pterocephalus frutescens (0.2%) were the least consumed, respectively. The common bushbucks consumed mainly youngy leaves and shoots. However, there was a significant difference in plant part consumed by common bushbuck during wet and dry seasons ([Formula: see text]= 1762.3, df = 6, P < 0.05). To ensure the common bushbucks conservation in SMNP, we recommend the long term habitat and population monitoring and integrated research to inform broader ecosystem management and biodiversity protection.