Population status of plains zebra (Equus quagga) in Nechisar plains, Nechisar National Park, Ethiopia.

摘要

The population status, structure, abundance and trend of plains zebra (Equus quagga) were studied in Nechisar plains, Nechisar National Park, southern Ethiopia, using transects and silent detection methods. The population of plains zebra in the area was estimated at 4500, with the population density of 16.6 km-2. The average herd sizes of one-male harem and bachelor stallion herds were 10.8 and 6.4, respectively. Adult males constituted 34.8%, adult females 41.5% and unsexed young 23.7%. Male:female ratio was 1.00:1.19. The age structure was 76.3% adult, 14.7% subadult, 5.2% juvenile and 3.8% foal. There was a rapid increase in their population during 1970-1985 and then a decline over the period 1991-1995. An integrated action involving implementation of effective awareness programme among the local people and improving the socio-economic standards of the communities in the Nechisar plains is essential for the management of the plains zebra in Nechisar National Park.