Population Status, Feeding Habits and Conservation Challenges of Tiang (Damaliscus Lunatus Tiang) in Abobo District, Gambella National Park, Gambella, Ethiopia

Biel, Dak Reat (2014) Population Status, Feeding Habits and Conservation Challenges of Tiang (Damaliscus Lunatus Tiang) in Abobo District, Gambella National Park, Gambella, Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

A study aiming at determining population status, feeding habits and conservation challenges of Tiang was conducted in Abobo district, Gambella National Park. The objectives of the study were to know the population structure, distribution and density of Tiang; the grass species eaten by Tiang; habitat preferences and to understand human-Tiang conflicts in the area. Line transect count was made to determine the population size, structure and distribution of Tiang in the study area. Feeding habits and habitat use observations were carried out on grazing herds. Feeding sites were classified into different habitat types based on the vegetation dominance of the area. Quadrats were marked in different feeding sites of Tiangs and the number and kinds of grasses within all quadrats were identified and counted; and identified in the Herbarium of Addis Ababa University. Data on conservation challenges of Tiang were collected by interviewing the local people and other stakeholders; and by observing the area. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16 computer programme. The total population of Tiang was 26 and 93 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The total population counted during the wet season was composed of 9 (34.6%) adult males, 10 (38.5%) adult females, 1 (3.8%) sub-adult male, 5 (19.2%) sub-adult females and 1 (3.8%) young. Individuals counted during the dry season had 29 (31.2%) adult males, 31 (33.3%) adult females, 9 (9.67%) sub-adult males, 15 (16.129%) subadult females and 9 (9.67%) young. The population density of Tiang was 0.2/km2 and 0.7/km2 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The distribution of Tiang was high at Pokede site during the wet season; and at Yawbela site during the dry season. Five food items were identified at three sites (Ubala, Yawbela and Pokede). There were significant variations in the proportion of various food items of Tiang during the wet and dry seasons. The food items recorded were: Themeda triandra, Cyperus maculatum, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Digitaria macroble and Cynodon dactylon. Threats on Tiang were the combination of habitat destruction (from commercial agriculture), poaching and illegal activities. Tiang damage agricultural crops in the area. Human-Tiang conflict was observed. Regular census in order to have information on Tiang population size is recommended

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Tiang, population distribution, feeding habits, Human-Tiang conflicts.
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Q Science > Q Science (General)
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Selom Ghislain
Date Deposited: 19 Sep 2018 14:16
Last Modified: 19 Sep 2018 14:16
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/5400

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