| dc.description.abstract | The bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), one of the ungulates occurring in Ghana, has not
been the subject of extensive study. For the species and its habitat to be managed
effectively to meet the needs of the people of Ghana and the tourist industry, a sound
understanding of its habitat and behavior is required. This study examined the habitat
and behavior of bushbucks in Mole National Park, Northern Ghana. The study also
compared local knowledge to observational data.
The site selected for the study was in the Samole area and had Guinea savanna
vegetation. Four bushbucks were used as focal animals for the study. One was fitted
with a radio ear tag. These animals were followed, and data on their habitat, food and
activities were recorded.
Bushbucks were found to have a low variability in their diet. Twenty-six food plants
were found, with four being widely fed upon. All the food plants, except for two species,
were dicotyledons. Bushbucks fed mainly on leaves from upright shoots. Each
individual developed its own activity pattern and followed specific paths while foraging.
Bushbucks used the open savanna woodland and marshes that provided both food and
cover to a greater extent than the riverine forest. A higher preference was shown for
marshes. Resting and bedding sites were chosen irrespective of the tree species. Plant
species with branches touching the ground, first branches between 27cm and 1m, and
crown densities between 20-80% were readily chosen as resting and bedding sites.
Bushbucks were active at temperatures below 30°C. When temperature exceeded 31°C,
bushbucks retreated to the bushes or thickets to rest and chew the cud. A temperature
difference of between 2-5°C occurred in the shade and in the open areas within 1m of the
resting and bedding sites. | |
