Gobal Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology (GARJEST) ISSN: 2315-5140
August 2012 Vol. 1(5), pp. 110-114
Copyright © 2012 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Seasonal Variation in Herd Size of Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus, Desmarest 1804) in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Tyowua B.T¹*, Orsar J.T¹ and Agbelusi E.A²

¹Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria.
²Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria.

*Corresponding    Author    E-mail:   bterungwa@yahoo.com

Accepted 01 August, 2012

Abstract

This paper examined the seasonal variation in herd size of Roan Antelope in Borgu Sector of Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP). In the wet season months of May, June and July; the average numbers of 49, 38 and 31 Roans were recorded. While in the dry season months of April, January and March and December; the average numbers of 79, 57, 56 and 53 Roans were recorded. Herd size of 2 – 5 dominated with 64% in the first year of study. In the second year of study, the 2-5 herd size dominated with 63%. The study showed that in the first year the 6-10 and 2-5 with 42 and 38% dominated. In the second year the 6-10 and 2-5 dominated with 41 and 38 %.  The herd sizes of 16 – 20 and 21+ were represented by 2.0% respectively. Therefore in KLNP, herd sizes of 2 – 5 are commonly seen in the wet season while the 6 – 10 and 2 – 5 are mostly seen in the dry season.

Keywords: Seasonal Variation, Herd Size, Roan Antelope, Borgu Sector