Abundance, Distribution, and Diurnal Activity Patterns of Greater and Lesser Kudus in Dera Dilfaker Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Kudus are sub-species of antelopes that are found in different types of habitats. The Study on the Abundance, Distribution, and Diurnal Activity Patterns of Greater and Lesser Kudus was carried out in Dera Dilfaker Block, Arsi Mountains National Park, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The study covered both dry and wet seasons extending from February 2023 to August 2023. The study area was stratified into three habitat types: woodland, Erica forest, and grassland. Each habitat type was surveyed using the line transect and focal observation method. A total of eight transect lines were systematically established. It was conducted on foot along a randomly selected transect line. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23.0 and Microsoft Excel. A total number of 360 Tragelaphus strepsiceros and 120 Tragelaphus imberbis were recorded. In terms of abundance, Greater kudu (45.83% and 54.16 %) and lesser kudu (41.66% and 58.33%) during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The highest number of Tragelaphus strepsiceros were observed in Erica forest habitat during dry (n=68) and in woodland during wet (n=80) seasons. The highest number of Tragelaphus imberbis were observed in Erica forest habitat during dry (n=24) and in woodland during wet (n=32) seasons. The highest number of kudus has been supported by the Erica forest habitat, followed by woodland in both seasons. The percentage of time spent on major diurnal activity of kudu appeared to vary by season and times of day. Kudu spent a greater percentage of time in feeding and lying both seasons. The morning and the late afternoon activity peaks were more pronounced during dry season than the wet season. This predicted that kudu would express unequal percentage of time spent for different activity patterns during the wet and dry seasons. Dera Dilfaker Block has several conservation and management implications for the species and their habitat. Thus, sound conservation strategies for the species required.