The effect of season and post-fire on habitat preferences of the endangered Swayne's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park, Ethiopia.

摘要: The availability of preferred habitats determines the spatial and temporal distribution herbivores in savanna ecosystems. Understanding habitat preference a targeted wildlife species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Habitat large grazers connection to grass height post-fire effect has been debated last century. Here, we examined effects season, burning on Swayne’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) Maze National Park. Data seasonal selection were collected using both direct observation along established transect lines pellet counting permanently plots. Every month, measured commonly by grassland habitat. Starting from first week burning, recorded abundance burned unburned patches. From detected pellets, 94.3% indicating that other types are less used despite their extensive cover > 50% During wet early dry seasons, exclusively We found 85.2% (n = 1079) 85.3% (n = 593) individuals observed areas with below 30 cm during early-dry respectively; while 70.9% (n = 2288) season. density area was higher than up 150 days since burning. However, areas, initially low but showed increasing trend consecutive days, reaching similar after habitat, particularly shortest available all seasons attracted areas. Our results suggested fire played an important role maintaining quality grassland, management should continue controlled as tool hartebeest. remain cautious our findings given paucity information regarding confounding factors absence long-term data disturbance.