Estimating the Population Density and Trend of Soemmerring gazelle in Hrey Gereb (Buri Peninsula), Northern Red Sea Zone, Eritrea, North East Africa

Authors: Rezene H and Kunduru SR*

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Soemmerring gazelle, scientifically named as Nanger soemmerring and a local name is Bus’adu (Afar, one of region of the state), smooth pelage, their shoulder height ranges between 81- 91 cm. and weight between 35 – 45 kg. Body coloration consists of a light tawny-brown or fawn color. Their head and neck are gradually lighter. A seasonal migrant with a herds composed of more than 15 individuals are identifiable features. These are often herds of females and their young, accompanied by a single adult male on his territory. Widely distributed throughout most of Djibouti, northern Somalia and the central coastal plain; north-east and central Sudan; lowland areas of Eritrea, the Ogden and other lowland areas of eastern Ethiopia [1]. Uncontrolled hunting and habitat destruction have most probably eliminated this species from its historic range in Sudan [2]. It still occupies substantial parts of its historical range in Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, but at lower densities and as isolated populations. Soemmering gazelle is endemic to the Horn of Africa. Data were collected in Hrey Gereb, Buri Peninsula, Eritrea, from two different seasons to get accuracy of this species of this area. The authors used line transacts methods to know the presence and density of the species. For this entire study the authors found 272 species throughout the period of study and the population density is 0.9921 per sq. km. was recorded. Vegetation mostly acacia, zizipus, calotropis and mangrove are available for feeding. Its population is gradually decreasing due to poaching, migration, draught and protracted wars with the neighboring states, as stated by the local population of the research area. Since, this species is vulnerable, it should be protected and though the Government of Eritrea has given a proclamation rules no. 155/2006 to conserve and protect and yet little poaching practices is going on, and still is required to save and preserve its species, as the data indicates their abundance is decreasing.

Keywords: Red Sea; Buri Peninsula; Soemmering Gazelle; Population Density; Saho

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