| Abstract |
Both the roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) and sable antelopes (Hippotragus niger) are listed on the IUCN Red data list as least concern. However, fragmentation and habitat, destruction, poaching, could cause the two species to be reclassified to near threatened or endangered if current populations are not better conserved. Some populations have become extirpated in some parts of Africa such as Burundi, and populations are declining in parts of Namibia. Various strategies to revive and conserve wildlife population ranging from proclamation of national parks, nature reserves as far as breeding population has been practised. In the middle 1970s roan and sable breeding populations were established at the Waterberg Plateau Park. The population has done reasonable well but recently, dramatic declines have been observed. This study aims to investigate the distribution of roan antelope and sable antelope in relation to fire, how fire history may have influenced the decrease of roan and sable population and resources utilisation between fire block 2a and 2b and the different years after fire at the Waterberg Plateau Park. Spatial data from game counts was used for roan and sable distribution mapping with QGIS. An Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA was used to test for the difference in resources utilisation between fire block 2a and 2b and between the years after fire. Results indicated that although not dominantly, fire did have an influence on the distribution of roan and sable antelope. Sable antelope was mostly observed around water holes while roan antelope was widely dispersed. There was not a significant difference in resources utilisation (grass and shrubs) between fire block 2a and 2b, but a statistical significant in grass utilisation between years after fire in block 2a and 2b. Herbivores utilised mostly the area burnt 4 years ago. Although the study does not give concrete evidence of what is currently happening to roan and sable antelope population at the plateau, resources utilization and selection is important for the conservation of vulnerable species. |
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