Review of Population Status and Conservation Strategy of Endangered Swayne’s Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus Swayne) in Ethiopia

Abstract

This review aims to understand and population status Swaynes’ Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Ethiopia. The home range of the endangered Swayne's hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei, was studied in different protected area of Senkele Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary (SSHS), Maze National park and Nechisar National Park in Ethiopia. Based on the report from the research, the previous population size of Swayne’s hartebeests has decreased and occurs only in four localities of Ethiopia: Nechisar and Maze National Parks, Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeests Sanctuary and a smaller number observed in southern Ethiopia Yabello vicinity. According to Mamo et al., (2012) Swayne’s hartebeests occur currently in three isolated localities with an estimated total population size of 840 (364 in Maze National Park, 464 in Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary and 12 in Nechisar National Park. Today, even in Ethiopia its distribution and population size has been declining substantially and the two largest populations remaining in the country are in Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary and Maze National Park. Generally ,according to the study from different authors  the population status  of Swayne’s Hartebeest in Ethiopia is decreasing from time to time  due to habitat degradation, expansion of agriculture, human settlement and livestock grazing in and around of protected area. Based on the Concept of reviewers of genetic and bioclimatic data suggest Swayne’s Hartebeest is distinct and requires immediate conservation actions including genetic monitoring and reintroductions to establish independent populations.

This review is important to summaries and indicates the gap to conserve these endemic animals in Ethiopia.

Keywords:  Swayne’s Hartebeest, Protected area, Population, Conservation status

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-15-01

Publication date:August 31^st 2020