Assessment Of The Potential For Sport Hunting Of Gamebirds With Special Emphasis On Guineafowls In Laikipia District, Kenya

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.