Abstract:
A study on the population status and feeding ecology of Menelik’s bushbuck (Traglaphus
scriptus meneliki) was conducted in the Wof Washa Natural Forest (WWNF) during AprilAugust 2013 including dry and wet seasons. Line-transect counting method was used to estimate
total population size of Menelik’s bushbuck in the study area and diet of Menelik’s bushbuck was
studied using direct observation method. A total of 64 and 72 Menelik’s bushbucks were
recorded during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The population structure of Menelik’s
bushbuck was adult male 27.94%, adult female 36.76%, sub-adult males 11.03%, sub-adult
females 15.45% and young 8.82%. The male to female sex ratio was 1.00:1.34, while ratio of
young to all adult individuals was 1.00:10.33 both during dry and wet seasons. The seasonal
differences in the population size was statistically not significant (P>0.05). Menelik’s bushbuck
in the study area prefers natural forest habitat than plantation and Erica woodland habitats.
64% of Menelik’s bushbuck diet comes from leaves, 20% from shoots and 7% from stems, and
fruits and flowers contributed for only 6% and 3%, respectively. Menelik’s bushbuck consumed
28 plant species, of these the three top species were Maytenus arbutifolia (13.45%), Cynodon
dactilon (11.50%) and Myrsine africana (9.90%) accounted for 34.85% of their overall diet. The
main threats of the Menelik’s bushbuck in the study area were deforestation, fire wood and grass
collection, livestock grazing, and other related human activities. Long term studies, conservation
program and involvement of local communities for the conservation of Menelik’s bushbuck in the
area are recommended.
