Spatially restricted occurrence and low abundance as key tools for conservation of critically endangered large antelope in West African savannah

A critically endangered large antelope, the Western Derby eland (WDE), exhibits spatially restricted occurrence and low abundance within Niokolo-Koba National Park (NKNP) in Senegal. Despite occupying less than 5% of the park's core area, the WDE population shows potential for expansion due to underutilized capacity, with an estimated size of 195 individuals (CI95: 54-708). The study, conducted during dry seasons in 2017 and 2018, revealed a female-biased adult sex ratio, low annual survival rates for adult males, and high juvenile proportions. WDEs were active throughout the day, peaking during the hottest daytime hours, with an average group size of 7.6 ± SE 8.9. The findings suggest that targeted monitoring could address key threats such as predation, livestock encroachment, and poaching, offering critical insights for conservation strategies in protected areas.

Gueye, M., Brandlová, K., Rabeil, T., Diop, M. M., Diop, B., & Hejcmanová, P. (2021). Spatially restricted occurrence and low abundance as key tools for conservation of critically endangered large antelope in West African savannah. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98649-7