1. The Population size and distribution of critically endangered Hirola Antelope (Beatragus hunteri) in Arawale National Reserve, Kenya Francis Kamau Muthoni Terra Nuova East Africa Transboundary Environmental Project

2. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Hirola Profile Diet: mostly grass Diet: mostly grass Weight: 75 - 160 kg Weight: 75 - 160 kg Mean group size: 7- 8 Mean group size: 7- 8 Gestation: 7 months Gestation: 7 months Sexually mature: 2 years Sexually mature: 2 years Habitat: seasonally arid region of grassy plains btwn acacia bush and coastal forest Habitat: seasonally arid region of grassy plains btwn acacia bush and coastal forest

3. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Study Area Area: 540 Km2 Area: 540 Km2 Only in-situ conservation Only in-situ conservation initiative for hirola initiative for hirola 6 species of conservation 6 species of conservationinterest Gazetted 1973 Gazetted 1973 Protection collapsed 1988 Protection collapsed 1988

4. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Historical Range of Hirola 38,400 Km 2 in Kenya and Somalia (1960s) 38,400 Km 2 in Kenya and Somalia (1960s) 19,158 Km 2 in Kenya (1960s) 19,158 Km 2 in Kenya (1960s) Current 9,177 Km 2 Current 9,177 Km 2 14,000 in 1960s 14,000 in 1960s 1,000 - 2000 Today 1,000 - 2000 Today

5. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Transect Methodology Transects are lined down considering areas of interest or relevance Transects are lined down considering areas of interest or relevance Transect counts are performed by moving along the identified line on foot/vehicle Transect counts are performed by moving along the identified line on foot/vehicle All observations are recorded in specific forms and geo- referenced with GPS All observations are recorded in specific forms and geo- referenced with GPS Transect counts are performed on the same, day and at the same time each month Transect counts are performed on the same, day and at the same time each month

6. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Population Estimates Using N= (nZ/T)2W Where: Using N= (nZ/T)2W Where: N = Population size in the whole survey zone. (Dahiye, 1999) N = Population size in the whole survey zone. (Dahiye, 1999) n = Population size in transects (monthly average) n = Population size in transects (monthly average) Z = total area of the survey zone Z = total area of the survey zone T = Length of the transect T = Length of the transect W= Width of the transect. W= Width of the transect. N= (45*540/70)0.2

7. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Population Size & Density Total Sighted: 534 Total Sighted: 534 Groups: 87 Groups: 87 Mean: 45 Mean: 45 Population Size: 69 Population Size: 69 Density: 0.13/Km 2 Density: 0.13/Km 2 Mean Groups Size: 6.1 Mean Groups Size: 6.1

8. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Seasonal Distribution Total Individuals Total Individuals - Dry 59% - Wet 41% Groups Sightings Groups Sightings - Dry 68% - Wet 32% SeasonsGroupsNo.Dry59313 Wet28221 Total87534

9. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Distribution of hirola in ANR.

10. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Habitat Preferences HabitatGroupsNo.Grassland30253 Open bush 57281 Closed Bush 00 Total87534

11. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Human-Livestock-Wildlife interfaces

12. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Livestock Grazing SpeciesTotalCattle4,202 Shoats3,720 Goats486 Donkey24 Camel2 Total8,434

13. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Threats Habitat degradation Habitat degradation Drought Drought Poaching Poaching Competition with livestock Competition with livestock Predation Predation Inbreeding Inbreeding

14. 25-28 June 2007 10th SCGIS Conference, Monterey, CA Acknowledgements Thank You Email: frakamuus@yahoo.com