INFLUENCE OF SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL FACTORS ON THE DISPERSAL OF GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros, Pallas, 1766) IN THE LAKE BOGORIA LANDSCAPE, BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

An average of 69% decline wildlife populations globally has been reported. Baringo County, Kenya has experienced up to 85% wildlife loss. The population of Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) (GK), endemic to Lake Bogoria landscape in Baringo County has been declining over the years. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of socio-ecological factors on the dispersal of GK in Lake Bogoria landscape for enhanced adaptive management and improved livelihoods. A mixed methods research design was used. Secondary data and data collected in 2022 were used to assess the abundance, distribution and trends of Kudu population. Long-term (1981 to 2022) temperature and rainfall monthly data was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department. Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images were downloaded for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to analyze knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of locals towards the conservation of GK using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire administered to target populations (N = 137 households). Face-to-face interviews of key informants and focus group discussions were also carried out. Measures of dispersion and point pattern analysis were used to analyze dispersal of GK population in a GIS. Temperature and rainfall trends were analyzed in Excel and Pearson’s correlation analysis between GK population and weather variables conducted. Land use/cover change (LULCC) over the period 1980 and 2020 was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation). Thematic and content analyses were used to analyze the qualitative KAP survey data. Further, Chi-square test was used to measure the disagreement between observed and expected frequencies of KAP responses. From the results, it was evident that ecological needs of Greater Kudu influenced their dispersal in the study area. It was also noted that maximum and minimum temperature variability did not significantly affect GK (r(1) = -0.42, p > 0.05 and r(1) = 0.45, p > 0.05 respectively). Built- up and agricultural areas had significantly increased with a negative correlation to rangeland (r = -0.935, df = 4, p = 0.019) and (r = -0.952, df = 4, p = 0.012) respectively. It was noted that 73% of KAP respondents agreed that the extinction of Greater Kudu in the landscape may lead to poverty. It is concluded that the dispersal of the GK in the landscape is influenced by its ecological requirements, as well as the LULCC. It is recommended that adaptive GK management and conservation must embrace regular monitoring of population and dispersal as well as community involvement for improved livelihoods.