Some ecological aspects and conservation of Duikers in Arabuko-Sokoke forest - Kenya

Abstract

This study was carried out in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, in Kilifi and Malindi Districts of Coast Province, about 110km North of Mombasa Town. The study aimed to establish the population sizes and densities of duiker species, identify and establish the abundance of some of the food plant species they utilised and the impact of human activities on the abundance and distribution of duikers. Drive count and pellet-group count techniques were used to estimate the population size and density of duikers. Interviews and stomach content analysis techniques were used to identify the plant species that duikers utilized. Tree stumps and animal traps set in the forest were enumerated to assess human impacts on the forest.