Distribution, Population Status and Feeding Behavior of Oribi (Ourebia Ourebi) in Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary (Sshs)
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Population status, structure and feeding behavior of Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)
was conducted in Senkelle Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary (SSHS) from
August 2005 to March 2006, which included wet and dry seasons. Total
count method was used to determine the current population status,
seasonal distribution, habitat association, and sex and age structure of
Oribi. Direct observation on selected animal groups was made to study
activity patterns. Data on seasonal variation in population size, habitat
association and activity pattern was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical
Package for Social Sciences) computer software package and compared
using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The estimated population of
Oribi in the study area was 51 individuals. The population was female
biased. The sex ratio of adult males to females was 1.00: 1.26. Oribi were
mostly observed as solitary, or in pairs occasionally they form small
groups, a male and one or more females and their offspring. They were
often associated with Swayne’s hartebeest and sometimes fed among
domestic livestock for protection. The oribi distribution showed preference
to very high utilization for short grass in each vegetation communities.
They were observed primarily as grazers on short grasses in both
seasons. Themeda triandra was a highly preferable grass by Oribi in the
study area. The distribution of Oribi during the wet and dry seasons
showed slight variation on the study area in all vegetation communities.
However, the tendency of population distribution towards Pennisetum
grassland vegetation community increased during both seasons. The group
size varied with food abundance and quality. They were mostly active
during the early morning and late afternoon. The annual mean proportion
of daylight hours spent feeding by Oribi was 54.7%. Morning and evening
activity peaks were most obvious during the dry season, with most
animals remaining inactive during the midday and hottest hours of the day. Increase in human and livestock population was observed in the
study area. Overgrazing by cattle and encroachment are the primary
factors that affect the population status of Oribi by deteriorating the grass
quality.
Key words: Oribi, population status, activity pattern, SSHS
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Keywords
Oribi, population status, activity pattern, SSHS