Conservation of the puku antelope (Kobus vardoni, Livingstone) in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania

Although there are populations of puku antelope Kobus vardoni (Livingstone) scattered throughout eastern and central Africa, it is estimated that 75% of the total population is now restricted to the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. The Kilombero Valley is an area rich in agricultural potential and natural resources; wildlife populations are also high and the inner valley is a Game Controlled Area, although this only provides limited protection. Aerial surveys during the 1989, 1994 and 1998 dry seasons showed the puku population to be stable at around 50000-60000 animals. Livestock populations fluctuated, but increased from 17309 +/- 6487 to 54047 +\- 17247 over the same period. Signs of human activity (e. g. huts, fields and livestock) were highest around the edge of the Game Controlled Area, indicating intense pressure on 'boundary-zone' habitats at the floodplain-woodland interface. Puku use 'boundary-zone' habitats during the wet season when large areas of grassland are flooded. Potential threats to the puku population are therefore likely due to habitat degradation through over-grazing by domestic herbivores, agricultural encroachment, and the expansion of human settlements. Licensed trophy hunting probably has a negligible impact on puku because of very low off-take, but illegal hunting represents a serious threat near human settlements during the wet season and in accessible parts of the floodplain during the dry season.