Habitat suitability modelling for Hirola (Beatragus hunteri) in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Hirola (Beatragus hunteri) is one of the most critically endangered antelope whose population is in decline, and its extinction might be the first loss of a mammalian genus in Africa since evolution of modern man. This decline has been attributed to, but is not limited to, habitat loss. Despite hirola introduction to Tsavo East National Park, its population has been stagnating at about 100 since 1996, and the reasons for this are not well documented. This research was aimed at determining the species' distribution in relation to environmental variables. Data on the presence of hirola were collected between 2008 and 2011 through long-term monitoring of hirola using aerial census and ground tracking. From this, a model was developed to predict the species' habitat preferences. The model predicted that hirola preferred areas close to supplemented water, roads, seasonal rivers and water logged areas but avoided areas close to wooded grassland, tsetse infested and rapidly drained areas. This research concludes that hirola distribution depends on availability of fresh grass shoots, shade plants and tsetse-free areas. To increase hirola carrying capacity in Tsavo East National Park, it calls for habitat manipulation through irrigation of rapidly drained areas, provision of supplemented water, prescribed burning and introduction of tsetse control strategies.