Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 40 BEHAVIOUR OF ANTELOPES AROUND PERENIALWATERHOLES IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK (KLNP), NIGERIA *Halidu S.K., **Ayodele A.I., *Oyeleye D.O ., ** Ojo S.O. and **Alarape A.A * Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa , Niger State. **Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan halidusk@gmail.com ABSTRACT Mammals spend more time around available water points especially during the dry season. This makes waterholes strategic spots for close observation of animals behavior. This study assessed the seasonal distribution of selected antelopes (Hippotragus equinus , Kobus kob, and Silvicapral grimmia) in KLNP, with a view to examining their daily activities and common behaviors . The study involved direct observation and identification of the selected antelopes around three perennial waterholes (Rivers Kpesa, Nanon and Oli) 10 - 24 km apart, from high hides. The indirect method on the other hand involved establishment of three 10m2 quadrants in each of the three study waterholes for observation of the Antelopes activities and interactions. This was done from 6am 6pm for six consecutive days monthly from July, 2011 to June, 2013. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. From the study, Kobus kob had the highest percentage of observation in the study area (62.8%) followed by Hipptragus equinus (20.4%) and silvicapral grimmia (16.8%). The average herd size was 9 for Kobus kob, 5 for Hipptragus equinus and 1 for Silvicapral grimmia. Animals in herds stay longer at the waterhole than the solitary duiker. Peak periods for maximum observation of antelopes around the water holes are 8.00-10.00hrs and 16.00-18.00hrs for Kobus kob and Silvicapral grimmia while that of Hippotragus equinus is 11.00-13.00hrs of the day. . Understanding of basic behavioral pattern of mammals will contribute in no small way to their effective management. A good timing of game viewing will increase the chances of antelope encounter in shortest period of tour. Keywords: Waterholes, Antelopes, Distribution, Population, Utilized Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 41 INTRODUCTION Understanding the basic behavioral pattern of mammals will contribute in no small way to their effective management .Unlike carnivores and primates, herbivores such as the antelope are not noted for high intelligence. Since their food cannot run, antelope do not have to be quick-thinking. However, they can be very clever in escaping from their enemies. Antelopes are fast runners, although they are not the fastest animals in the world (Stafford,1990). They are good at quick, precise turns, and they can run very fast for extend period of time. This gives them an advantage over many predators such as the cheetah, which relies on sprinting and can be tried out by antelopes greater stamina. (Stafford,1990).The antelope s choice to flee is based largely on the type of predicator and its distance from the herd. Usually, gazelle will permits lions to come within 200m (650ft) before fleeing. They likely recognize that a hunting lion (Panthera leo) prefers to hide while stalking it pray, meaning a visible lion is unlikely to attack. Cheetahs, who are superb Springer s, pose a more dangerous threat. Gazelle will flee from cheetahs when they are over 800m (0.5mi) away. Antelope communicate with each other using a array of sounds. For example, dik dik (Madoqua guentheri) whistle when alarmed, warning other animals of danger as well. This characteristic makes dik dik (Madoqua guentheri) less favorable prey for hunters (Aril, 2012). Generally, though, sight as a mush common form of communication than sound among antelopes. An antelope s mood is indicated by its posture and movement. When excited or alarmed, most medium sized species of antelope bounce up and down on all four legs, keeping them stretched out straight. This behavior, known as prinking or slotting, acts as an alarming display. Some biologist theorize that slotting also sends a message to predators, showing that individual antelopes are fit and alert, and therefore not worth pursuing (Alex, 2011). Antelopes also use scent signals to communicate; these can linger for many days. Antelopes that live in herds have special glands in their hooves that leave a scented record of their movement. If an antelope was accidentally separated from its herd, it would be able to follow the scent tracks back. Antelope species common to forest tend to stay in the same place all their lives, but species that live out in the open migrate to feed and breed. The gnus carry out the most famous of these migrations through the plains and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Gnus are sedentary in some places, but in others, such as Serengeti National Park, gnus travel Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 42 between two different home ranges (Redfern, et, al, 2003). One of these ranges is used during the dry season, while another is used during the wet season. Migration can be very risky; the dangers include crossing crocodile infected rivers, but migration also supplies the gun with food at different times of the year (Red fen, 2002). Antelopes are often classified by their reproductive behavior. Small antelope, such as dik-diks (Madoqua guentheri), tend to be monogamous (Ephaphres, 2007). They live in a forest environment with patchy resources, and a male is unable to monopolize more than one female due to this sparse distribution. Larger forest species often form very small herds of two to four females and one male (Gordon, 2008). Some species, such as lechwes (Kobus leche), pursue a lek breeding system, where the males gather on a liking ground and compete for a small territory, while the females appraise males and choose one with which to mate (Marion, 2003). Large grazing antelopes, such as impala (Aepyceros melampus) or wildebees t(Connohaetes taurinus), form large herds made up of many females and a single breeding male, which excludes all other males, often by combat. MATERIALS AND METHOD Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) is located approximately 560km north of Lagos, and 385km southwest of Abuja, Federal Capital of Nigeria. It covers a total area of 5,340.82km2. The two sectors of the park lie approximately between latitudes 90 40 N and 100 30 N and longitudes 30 30 E and 50 50 E. It is made up of two non- contiguous sectors; the Borgu Sector and the Zugurma Sector. The Borgu Sector (Bs- KLNP) is situated on the land area shared between Borgu Local Government Area (LGA) in Niger State and Kaiama as well as Baruten LGAs, Kwara State. It is bordered on the east by the Kainji Lake, popular for the National Electric Power Authority s (now Power Holding Company of Nigeria s) Hydro-electricity Generation Station and supply of freshwater fish (Ayeni, 2007). Its western border is contiguous with inter-national boundary of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The study Area has a climatic type that is marked with two seasons, that is wet and dry seasons. The drainage system is made up of many annual or seasonal rivers and few perennial ones, with river Oli being the major river channel. Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 43 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION Direct and indirect methods of observation were used in the study. This involved direct observation of the selected antelopes around three perennial waterholes (Rivers Kpesa, Nanon and Oli) 10 - 24 km apart. Direct method involved observations, identification and counting of the selected antelopes from high hides near the study waterholes. The indirect method on the other hand involved establishment of three 10m2 quadrants in each of the three study waterholes for observation of the Antelopes activities and interactions. This was done from 6am 6pm for six consecutive days of every month from July, 2011 to June, 2013. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and the result presented in frequency tables, percentages and charts. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In the study, animals were observed drinking and doing other activities; feeding, resting, and grooming as observed in duiker. This is done for a varied length of time depending on species involved and the season of the year (Figure 1). From the result, the three Antelopes were found feeding after drinking, Hippotragus equines and Kobus kob were found resting/standing and only Silvicapral grimmia was found grooming after drinking (Table 1) (Plate 1).Herd composition and structure is another behavioral aspect of the Antelopes in the study. Here the average herd size was 9 for Kobus kob, 5 for Hippotragus equines and 1 for Silvicapral grimmia. This shows that while Kobus kob and Hippotragus equines move in groups, the duiker is a solitary animal (Table 2). Another behavioral aspect of Antelopes going by the herd size is vigilance by the Antelopes in the waterholes. Those in groups were observed to stay longer at the waterhole than the solitary duiker though it is also the smallest in body size. The study also indicated little difference in time spent in drinking water by the three antelopes (Figure 1). Roan Antelope spent more time drinking water than the other two Antelopes. This was observed in both wet and dry seasons. There was also observable seasonal variation in the physicochemical parameters of the Park Rivers which were as a result of the effects of hydrological regime of the rivers and the prevailing weather conditions of the site and the environment in general. The result indicated that the Antelopes utilizes the water holes more in the dry season than during the wet seasons. Reason for this may not be unconnected to the fact that water is available almost everywhere in the park during the wet Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 44 season than during the dry season when surface water is only available in the few perennial water pools and ponds. Apart from this the whole park is covered with succulent grasses that have enough water during the wet season as such the animals do not have to move far distance in search of water. Physical interaction of the antelopes is more pronounced during the dry season with tendency to gather together than in the wet season that is normally characterized by water abundance which favors wide spread distribution of the herbivores across the landscape. Adeyemo,et .at, 2006 observed that distribution and abundance are dependent on many a biotic factors of continuous interaction of vegetation, and also includes the effects of continuous interaction of different species of wildlife. In this scenario of abundant water sources, there is minimal direct physical interaction as most of the animals would prefer ranging in their favorable sites/ecological niches as water and succulent feed abounds all over the park. The wide spread in the raining season become a natural control of communicable diseases. On the other hand, any epidemic break out in dry season carry higher potential of impact as most animals congregate and obtain their food and water from virtually the same spot. It was noticed that when the climatic conditions of the park become drastic, animals spend most of their time around the waterhole to drink water several times. This behavior permits animals to replace the water passed by urine. This observation agrees with Oliver, et.al.,(2005) who observed that many species, exclusively rely on behavioral strategies to avoid dehydration in the height of the dry season. Kobus kob and Silvicapral grimmia have two Peak periods for maximum observation around the water holes 8.00-10.00hrs and 16.00-18.00hrs while the Hippotragus equinus has only one modal time, 11.00-13.00hrs of the day (Fig 2). This observation perfectly agrees with Tefempa et al., 2008 who observed similar times for each animal. Table 1: Summary of other activities of the Selected Antelopes around Waterholes ACTIVITIES ANTELOPE SPECIES ROAN ANTELOPE KOB GRIMM S DUIKER Feeding + + + Resting + + - Mating - - - Grooming - - + Fighting - - - Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 45 Plate 1: Kobs resting near River Oli Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 46 Fig 1: Seasonal distribution of selected antelopes Table 2 (16): Observed Mean Herd Size of Selected Antelopes Species Mean Herd Size Roan Antelope 5 Kobus kob 9 Grim s duiker 1 (mostly Solitary) Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 47 Figure 2: Time of animal encounter at the waterholes CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The basic necessities such as presence of food, cover, water and breeding ground determine the habitat performance of animals in a particular area and period. The antelopes were observed generally throughout the year though seasonal variations played a key role in the distribution as most animals were sighted in the waterholes during the dry season performing various forms of activities more than it was observed during the rainy season. This may be attributed to the fact that water and feed are found virtually everywhere in the park, during the wet season, unlike the dry season where water, feed and cover are majorly found around the waterholes. Special attention and monitoring should be given to all perennial water holes, especially during the dry season when most animals resides very close or visit the water holes often. The average herd size was 9 for Kobus kob, 5 for Hippotragus equines and 1 for Silvicapral grimmia. This shows that while Kobus kob and Hippotragus equines move in groups, the duiker is a solitary animal. Another behavioral aspect of Antelopes going by the herd size is vigilance by the Antelopes in the waterholes. Those in groups were observed to stay longer at the waterhole than the solitary duiker Journal of Forestry Research and Management. Vol. 11, 40-49; 2014. ISSN 0189-8418 Halidu, et al 48 though it is also the smallest in body size. There should be regular patrol around the water holes to save the animals from poachers who are also very much aware of the fact that animal could be easily encountered in such spots. Fast growing indigenous tree species should be established (enrichment planting) where it is observed that a particular water holes is getting exposed than necessary. This will serve as water shield and will also provide the much needed cover for some of the antelope that love resting under the three after drinking as observed in this study. REFERENCES Adeyemo, A.I, Tamugang, A and Ayedele, I.A (2006): convergence of wild animals at River Oli banks in Kainji Lake National Park. Research Journal of biological Science (1- 4):pp98-101. Alex, R. 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