Population Status and Distribution of Artiodactyls in the Awash National Park with Special Reference to Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa)
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Date
2004-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Population count of beisa OI)IX (OI)IX beisa) and other artiodactyls was conducted in Awash
National Park during August 2003 - Februwy 2004, which includes wet and dry seasons in the
area. Both sample and total count methods were used to determine the current population size,
seasonal distribution, habitat association and sex and age structure of beisa OIyx population, as
well as to assess the population status of other artiodactyls. Data on sex and age structure, habitat
association, and seasonal variation in population size was analyzed using SPSS computer software
package and compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The estimated population of beisa OIyx was 446 individuals. Their population has declined by
88.9% and 52% compared to the 1969 and 1992 estill/ates, respectively. Beisa olyx population as
determined ji-Oll/ total count was 272 and 227 individuals during the wet and dl)1 seasons
respectively. AII/ong them, 93% and 98% were encoulllered south of the Metahara-Awash highway
during wet and dry seasons, respectively. They were seen concentrated in [Iala Sala grassland
area during lVet season and move to the Awash River and Kudu Valley in search of water during
dl)1 season.
Obsel1'ations on habitat association of beisa OIyx indicated a marked preference for grasslands
during wet season and shrubby grasslands during (by season. The distribution of beisa OI:)lX
during the study period was IlOtuniform in the study area.
The relative abundance of green forage, vegetation cover, water, seasonal livestock and hUll/an
disturbances were the major factors govel'lling their distribution. Age structure was dominated by
adults, which constituted 76.31% of the total population. Sub-adults and calves together accounted
for 23.69% of the population. Relatively low proportion of the sub-adult and calves indicated a declining feature of the population. In addition to beisa OI)'X, 65 Soemmerring's gazelles, 413
lesser kudus, 492 warthogs and 2770 Salt's dikdiks were estimated to be present in this area. The
poplilation estimate for other artiodactyls showed a drastic decline compared to the 1969 survey.
Findings ji-om ground survey and socia-economic survey have revealed that competition ji-om
livestock, settlement, poaching, predation, road kill and bush encroachment were the main threats
for the drastic decline of wildlife in Park area. Immediate conservation measures are essential to
halt the severe decline of artiodactyl poplilations in ANP.
Key words: Artiodactyls, Awash National Park, beisa o/)'X, poplilation status
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Keywords
rtiodactyls, Awash National Park, beisa oryx, poplilation status