Assessment of the Distribution and Abundance of Western Hartebeest (Alcelaphus Buslaphus) in the Southern Sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba State, Nigeria

Objective: To Assess the Population Distribution and Cornucopia of Western Hartebeest and Demographic Characteristics of and coitus Structure, of Western Hartebeest in the National Park Material and Method: The exploration employed a transect- grounded check design, to estimate the population size and structure of hartebeest in the southern sector at Mayo Selbe Range( MSR), Fillinga Range ( FR), and Gam- Gam Range (GGR) and Gumti (GR). Data were collected over a 12- weeks period( January- March 2023) during the dry season and 12- weeks period of April- July 2023) during the wet season. Direct counts were conducted doubly weekly, during morning (0600- 1100) and evening (1600- 1900) ages, when hartebeest were most active. Compliances were recorded using a standardized data distance. Four transects from each with 3.5 km long and 50m wide, were established in each range using a methodical arbitrary slice approach. Transects were marked with flags at regular intervals (every 100 m) to insure harmonious range and length. Results: The results revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in hartebeest cornucopia across four transect areas T1- T4 specifically, T3 recorded the loftiest mean total cornucopia during the dry season (January- March), while T1 showed the smallest. In discrepancy, T1 had the loftiest cornucopia during the wet season (April- May) followed by T3. Anthropogenic factors, including coddling, cattle herdsmen, and niche declination, were linked as major motorists of these variations. The study’s findings have important counteraccusations for conservation sweats aimed at guarding Western Hartebeest populations in GGNP. Data were subordinated to descriptive statistical analysis to cipher means and standard diversions of the results. These statistics were used to estimate the population size, age- coitus structure, and exertion pattern hartebeest. Conclusion: The study’s results punctuate the complex interplay between environmental and anthropogenic factors impacting Western Hartebeest distribution and cornucopia in GGNP. The findings emphasize the need for critical conservation action to address the impacts of coddling, cattle herding, and niche declination on hartebeest populations within the area. Effective conservation strategies, including enhance danti-poaching details, cooperative operation with original communities, and niche restoration enterprise, are critical for icing the long- term survival of Western Hartebeest populations in GGNP.