The Impact of Spatial Distribution of Vegetation on The Behavioral Ecology of Waterbuck Antelope (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa) in Bouba-njidda National Park, Northern Region, Cameroon

Abstract

In most terrestrial ecosystems a diverse assemblage of herbivores, such as antelopes has been maintained over time. Resource partitioning is the mechanism that facilitates the coexistence of species in a habitat, where resources may be selected to meet their requirements. In Cameroon,  natural  landscapes  are  dominated  by  diverse  land-use  and  land-cover  that constitute heterogeneous habitats for flora and fauna communities. Hence, the acquisition of  nutrition  and  avoidance  of  predators  are  the  main  factors  that  contribute  to  the  survival  of antelope species. The major aim of this survey was to investigate the waterbuck behavioral activity on vegetation type and landscape condition. The research data collection was done by visiting and monitoring waterbuck herds in different vegetation types within a period of four months. Observations were made on antelope aggregation size, behavioral activity, vegetation cover, and weather condition. The study revealed a significance between the waterbuck-aggregation size and vegetation cover, X² = 6.89, df = 10, P<0.05. The waterbuck population in Bouba-njidda national park congregates and dwells most in grassland areas (54%) than forest patches (3%) and shrubland respectively (9%). Different vegetation and weather condition revealed a significant correlation as well, r = 0.235, P<0.05. A flat landscape (71%) was most preferred for activity by the waterbuck compared to slopes (23%) and hills (3%) respectively. More so, aggregation/herd size and behavioral activity revealed a significance, X² = 9.81, df=20, P<0.05.The study showed a dominant antelope movement (45%), followed by rest (26%), and then feeding (20%) respectively. Different vegetation conditions also showed a significance on behavioral activity in the survey, X² = 10.17, df=8, P<0.05. Vegetation has been among the major factors determining wildlife activities in many ecological regions especially on herbivorous species such as the waterbuck antelopes that are predominantly grazers. Additionally, landscape type recorded a correlation on antelope activity r = 0.418, P=0.048. Waterbuck have been hunted in most of their ranges in Cameroon and are thought to be declining at a slow but significant rate, hence, there is need for a new management plan to enhance conservation.

Keywords: Waterbuck, Vegetation, Weather, Antelope activity, and Herbivorous species

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/13-17-03

Publication date:October 31^st 2022