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<p>Understanding species’ population status is crucial for strategizing their conservation. This study assessed the population density, size, structure and spatial occurrence of puku (<i>Kobus vardonii</i>) in Rukwa Game Reserve, Tanzania. A systematic line transect sampling design was used to collect data, including radial distance, sighting angle, number of individuals, age-sex categories, GPS coordinates of puku observations, and surveyed transect length. Puku density was estimated at using Distance software (version 7.5). Population structure was analyzed with Microsoft Excel, and spatial occurrence was assessed using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). The results show a population density of 30.8 (13.5–70.5) individuals per square kilometer, indicating a 190.6% increase compared to what Waltert et al. (<CitationRef CitationID="CR40">2009</CitationRef>) observed in the same area using equal distance zigzag sampling design. This increase in density may result from habitat shrinkage caused by rising Lake Rukwa water levels submerging dryland. The population size was estimated at 573 (251–1311) individuals, a 26.2% decline from 776 (432 − 1393) in the previous study, likely due to poaching. Despite this decline, population density increased, suggesting an unusual pattern. The results also indicate a reduced range compared to the previous study. The findings also indicate a stable population with potential for increase, with female-to-male and female-to-young ratios at 1.34 and 1.4, respectively, a mean group size of 6.9, and juveniles accounting for 23% of the population. Overall, these findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring of trends in population size, range, and density, as well as research into their causes.</p>

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Assessment of population status of Puku (Kobus vardonii) in Rukwa Game Reserve, Tanzania

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月23日

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  • Fred Stephen Tweve,
  • Sayuni Bildad Mariki,
  • Rose Peter Kicheleri,
  • Michael Muganda

摘要

Understanding species’ population status is crucial for strategizing their conservation. This study assessed the population density, size, structure and spatial occurrence of puku (Kobus vardonii) in Rukwa Game Reserve, Tanzania. A systematic line transect sampling design was used to collect data, including radial distance, sighting angle, number of individuals, age-sex categories, GPS coordinates of puku observations, and surveyed transect length. Puku density was estimated at using Distance software (version 7.5). Population structure was analyzed with Microsoft Excel, and spatial occurrence was assessed using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). The results show a population density of 30.8 (13.5–70.5) individuals per square kilometer, indicating a 190.6% increase compared to what Waltert et al. (2009) observed in the same area using equal distance zigzag sampling design. This increase in density may result from habitat shrinkage caused by rising Lake Rukwa water levels submerging dryland. The population size was estimated at 573 (251–1311) individuals, a 26.2% decline from 776 (432 − 1393) in the previous study, likely due to poaching. Despite this decline, population density increased, suggesting an unusual pattern. The results also indicate a reduced range compared to the previous study. The findings also indicate a stable population with potential for increase, with female-to-male and female-to-young ratios at 1.34 and 1.4, respectively, a mean group size of 6.9, and juveniles accounting for 23% of the population. Overall, these findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring of trends in population size, range, and density, as well as research into their causes.