A Study on the Status and Population Dynamics of Reed Buck (Redunca redunca) in Dinder National Park – Sudan

Abstract

The Bohor reedbucks (Reduncaredunca) were studied in Dinder National Park (DNP), Sudan to investigate their population dynamics and daily activity patterns. The road count methods were employed to determine the population size, age and sex structure, diurnal activity of a herd of reedbuck for every 10 minutes recording intervals. Also the threat factors to the population were observed. There were 153 individual of reedbucks in the study site of which 41% (n = 63) was confined to the EinAshamis Mayas. The sex ratio of reedbuck was 1:1. The population was female biased 51.6% (n = 79) was female excluding kids (juveniles), and 39.2%, (n = 60) as males. More adults (29.4%, n = 45) were observed more than young’s (sub-adults),9.8%, ( n =15) and kids 9.2%, (n = 14). The herd size of reedbuck showed variation from 3 – 4 individuals of animal. Herds were seen in aggregations of up to 45 individuals of reedbuck during the dry season in EinAshamis Maya. The diurnal activity pattern of reedbuck group showed that most animals were actively feeding throughout early morning and late in afternoon, with a resting period around midday. The nocturnal activity pattern was not recorded due to the fact that no night spot equipment to scan them and no security measurement available during the night hour in the study site. The predation pressure, poaching and habitat degradation were observed as a threat to the reedbuck species in the Dinder National Park. Certain management measures have been suggested. Key wards:- Dinder National Park, Mayas: RasAmir, AbdelGani, AinElshames,Bohor Reedbuck, Population dynamics, Diurnal activity, Population threat factors