SPATIO-TEMPORAL CHANGE OF DISPERSAL AREAS OF GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus
strepsiceros) IN LAKE BOGORIA LANDSCAPE, KENYA
Abstract
Wildlife populations decline of 69% between 1977 and 2016 have been
reported in Kenya’s rangelands. Baringo County experienced over 85%
wildlife loss in the last four decades, and thus a major concern for
wildlife conservation, food security and environmental sustainability.
Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is endemic to Lake Bogoria
landscape in Baringo County and constitutes a major tourist attraction
for the region. In an area with limited dispersal opportunities, the
range for this species is crucial for its survival. To a large extent,
extinction of wild animal species has been attributed to habitat
degradation that directly affects dispersal areas. This study was
carried out to assess spatio-temporal change of dispersal areas of
Greater Kudu (GK) in Lake Bogoria landscape in the last four years for
enhanced conservation and improved livelihoods. GK population
distribution primary data collected in December 2022 and secondary data
acquired from LBNR for 2019 and 2020 were digitized using ArcGIS.
Measures of dispersion and point pattern analysis (PPA) were used to
analyze dispersal of GK population using a Geographic Information System
(GIS). It was evident that GK dispersal in LBNR has been changing thus
the null hypothesis that spatio-temporal distribution of dispersal areas
of the GK in Lake Bogoria landscape did not change in the last four
years was rejected. It was recommended that anthropogenic activities
contributing to GK habitat degradation be curbed by providing
alternative livelihood sources and enhancement of adoption of
sustainable technologies including use of solar energy and climate-smart
agriculture by local communities.