The status and distribution of carnivores in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), South-Western Uganda

Abstract

This study was conducted between December 1997 and July 1998 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), South Western Uganda. The aims were to determine the occurrence, population status, distribution, food habits, and to investigate human factors likely to affect the survival of carnivores. Seven sites were selected on the basis of altitude, vegetation type, and extent of forest disturbance for in-forest assessment. Population status was assessed using both direct (night survey) and indirect (scent station visitation rates) methods along transects in the forest. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) was used to map the distribution of carnivores from sightings and signs of spoors and scats. Food habits were assessed from scat analysis. And a questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents from eight parishes neighbouring the park to assess anthropogenic factors likely to affect carnivore status. Sixteen carnivore species were recorded by this study, forming 42.1 percent of the species that occur in Uganda. The Clawless Otter, Aonyx capensis Schinz, Spotted necked Otter, Lutra maculicollis Lichtenstein, Honey Badger, Mellivora capensis Schreber, and African wild Cat, Felis sylivestris Schreber were recorded for the park for the first time. The results indicate that human disturbance and percentage ground vegetation cover (GVC) are important factors affecting abundance and distribution of carnivores. The carnivore species, especially side-striped jackal, Canis adustus Sundevall and African Civet, Viverra civetta Schreber that mostly depend on scavenging and crop raiding as alternative ways of obtaining food items were more common in the periphery of the park, at sites with high human activity. On the other hand, Golden Cat, Profelis aura/a Temminck, M capensis and A. capensis, which are not scavengers, were mostly restricted to sites with minimum human presence. High GVC appeared to attract the species that are more dependent on rodents as main food items. The distribution of aquatic carnivore species, such as Water Mongoose, Atilax paludinosus G. Cuvier, L. maculicollis and A. capensis was associated with the presence of swamps and rivers, while Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo Gmelin was restricted to the low altitude parts of the park (northern sector), with predominantly grassland vegetation. Among the carnivore species recorded, there was no completely speciali sed feeder. The wild prey items featured most prominently, with rodents and insects being the most common food items. Canis adustus and V civetta had opportunistic feeding habit, complimenting their diets with village refuse, local food crops and wild plants fruits, while the Golden Cat, P. aurata was the only carnivore species whose diet mainly consisted of medium sized herbivores especially Duikers. The Local people had substantial knowledge of carnivore species: more than 80 percent of the carnivore species were known to most of them. The most important factor determining the attitude of the local residents towards carnivore conservation appeared to be the perceived economic loss resulting from livestock/poultry raiding by the wildlife. Raiding on domestic animals was reported to be on the increase (67.79 percent of the respondents), as a result of better protection accorded to the wildlife. The use and trade in skins and other products obtained from carnivores are currently minimal and mostly limited to medicinal purposes. Genets were the only culturally revered species in the area. The status of carnivore species is most insecure outside the park as a result of habitat loss and persecution. Efforts to change negative attitude of people residing in sites close to the park periphery will probably take more time. However, this could be achieved through introduction of modem poultry farming methods and extensive conservation education programs.