Factors affecting the distribution of wild ungulates on a ranch in Kenya: Preliminary report

Abstract

This paper gives a preliminary report on the factors affecting the distribution of wild ungulates on a ranch in Kenya. The study covers only one phase of an overall project on the compatabfiity of wild and domestic ungulates. The major factors considered are vegetation, water, fire, cattle grazing, hunting and animal behaviour. These factors are related to five major wild ungulate species which occur on Akira - Coke's hartebeest (kongoni), Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland and giraffe.

The major influence on wild ungulate densities and distribution was vegetation. The condition of vegetation was determined by rainfall, fire and grazing intensities. Generally game populations increased with cattle populations which indicated that vegetation conditions were improving during the period of this study. Overgrazing was generally detrimental to all species except to the Thomson's gazelle which was attracted to short grass areas around water, bomas and overgrazed sites. Kongoni were found usually in tall grass areas while Grant's gazelle were not as selective as Thomson's gazelle or eland. Giraffe were confined mostly to Acacia communities and eland, though found in grassland, were most frequently in high bush country where the variety of shrubs was greater.

The effects of other factors on each of the ungulates are also presented. The interrelationships of all factors are being considered as the study continues.