Population Size, Seasonal Distribution, and Threats on African Buffaloes Syncerus Caffer (Sparrman, 1779) In Kafa Biosphere Reserve, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

African buffaloes are large, herbivorous mammals native to sub-Saharan Africa. Accurate data on population size and distribution are crucial for species conservation, particularly in understudied habitats. However, there is no adequate data regarding the population size and distribution of African buffaloes in some potential habitats, specifically in forest areas. This study was conducted to record the population size, seasonal distribution, and threats on African buffaloes in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, South West Ethiopia. The study was carried out from February to August 2024, covering both dry and wet seasons. The study area was stratified into four habitat types, viz., Evergreen montane forest and grassland complex, moist evergreen montane forest, wetlands and riverine forest, and woodland. A line transect survey method was used to gather data. Sample count procedures were made in an area of 7600 km2, and 20.3% of total area was sampled. 400 respondents were randomly selected to assess threats to the buffalo’s population through questionnaires. An average of 217 and 317 individuals of African buffaloes were recorded during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The mean estimated population size of African buffaloes was 1069 and 1562 individuals during dry and wet seasons, respectively. The population comprised 49.95% males and 39.61% females with the male to female ratio of 1.26:1. Age structure was dominated by adults that constituted 54.28% of the total population, followed by sub-adults 22.28%, Juveniles 13%, and unidentified individuals 10.44%. The mean herd size during the dry and wet seasons was 10.9 and 12.5, respectively. Buffaloes were most frequently observed in the evergreen montane forest and grassland complexes accounting for 34% of sightings in the dry season and 29% in the wet season. The next most common habitat was the wetlands and riverine forests, with 24% and 26% of sightings in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. In the dry season, moist evergreen montane forests constituted 22%, with only 20% in Woodlands. During the wet season, Woodlands accounted for 24% and moist evergreen montane forests had the lowest proportion at 21%. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, and direct field observation indicated that, natural resource use conflict was the main threats to the African buffaloes in the study area. Therefore, effective conservation strategies are needed to mitigate such threats, and to safeguard buffaloes simultaneously to protect the wildlife in the Reserve.