ABSTRACT
This study sought to investigate potential for rural communities in arid and semi-arid areas
to derive economic benefit from hunting of gamebirds, specifically the guineafowls. In order
to achieve this, it is important to have knowledge on guineafowl ecology and population
dynamics; particularly how environmental conditions which vary in space and over time,
influence their population dynamics. The study focussed on two sympatric species of
guineafowl in Laikipia district, Kenya. They include; the Helmeted Guineafowl Numida
meleagris, which is common in the moister parts of southern Laikipia, and Vulturine
Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum, which is more common in the drier northern reaches of
the district. Their population dynamics, habitat preferences and breeding seasonality were
compared in order to develop methods for monitoring their populations that are suitable for
game bird management purposes. The study area comprised six sites arranged along a
rainfall gradient in Laikipia district. Distance sampling technique was used to derive game
bird densities within the study area both spatially and temporally. Game bird data was
collected during five sample sessions conducted between September 2005 and April 2007 at
each study site. Systat 9.0 statistical package was used to perform statistical analyses to test
for relationships between guineafowl densities and factors perceived to limit their
populations. Habitat was found to have a significant influence on guineafowl population
dynamics. From the multi-wavelength data from Landsat imagery employed in this study,
distributions of guineafowls across various habitats within Laikipia will be predictable. Both
guineafowl species were observed to breed at least once every year after the long rains
season. The birds were also observed to suspend breeding and thereby recruitment during
periods marked by drought conditions. There was variation in recruitment rates, spatially
and temporally within and between the study sites. The study concludes by recommending
harvesting quotas for gamebirds occurring in Laikipia District.
Titus, A (2021). Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-the-potential-for-sport-hunting-of-gamebirds-with-special-emphasis-on-guineafowls-in-laikipia-district-kenya
Titus, Adhola "Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya" Afribary. Afribary, 01 Jun. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-the-potential-for-sport-hunting-of-gamebirds-with-special-emphasis-on-guineafowls-in-laikipia-district-kenya. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.
Titus, Adhola . "Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya". Afribary, Afribary, 01 Jun. 2021. Web. 13 Oct. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-the-potential-for-sport-hunting-of-gamebirds-with-special-emphasis-on-guineafowls-in-laikipia-district-kenya >.
Titus, Adhola . "Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya" Afribary (2021). Accessed October 13, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/assessment-of-the-potential-for-sport-hunting-of-gamebirds-with-special-emphasis-on-guineafowls-in-laikipia-district-kenya