Population structure and species diversity of ungulates in a protected derived savannah ecosystem of west Africa

Abstract

The study assessed ungulate species diversity and population structure within a protected derived savannah ecosystem in the southern region of Nigeria. The study identified and recorded ungulate species and their structural characteristics along three designated tracks within the park. Each track was systematically surveyed twice weekly for six months, utilizing the direct animal count method. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total record of 693 individuals belonging to four ungulate species (Kob - Kobus kob, Red-flanked duiker - Cephalophus rufilatus, Bushbuck - Tragelaphus scriptus, and Hartebeest - Alcelaphus buselaphus) was recorded. Both adult and juvenile females accounted for 286 individuals, and males accounted for 407, respectively. The most abundant ungulate species recorded were Kobs (490 individuals), while Hartebeest were the least with 49 individuals. Ungulate population comprising 369 individuals (53.25%) were sighted in the Maha track, 271 (39.10%) in the Ajaku-Ibuya track, and 53 (7.65%) in the Yemoso track. Relative abundance of ungulates ranged from 0.006/km² (kob) to 0.03/km² (Duiker and Hartebeest) with an overall sex ratio (range: 1.30 to 1.45; mean = 1.39) demonstrating even tighter clustering. The Shannon diversity index values show that Maha Track (H' = 0.740) demonstrates marginally higher species diversity than Ajaku-buya Track (H' = 0.717), whereas Yemoso (H' = 0.268) shows substantially lower diversity. Illegal grazing accounted for the highest percentage (51.9) of illicit activities within the park, followed by illegal hunting (39.2%) and illegal logging (14%). Effective conservation strategies for long-term survival of ungulates are recommended.