Population size, habitat use and foraging habits of wild Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris in southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris is a widespread and abundant resident gamebird species in sub-Saharan Africa. It is hunted throughout the region, including in Ethiopia. However, knowledge of the species’ ecology and behaviour in many parts of the country is limited. The present study aimed to assess the population size, habitat use and foraging habits of Helmeted Guineafowl in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. Point counts and line transects were conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 to estimate population sizes in different habitat types and in the wet and dry seasons. The species’ foraging activity and habitat use were investigated using direct focal observations and scan sampling. The estimated population size of Helmeted Guineafowl in the 1 486-km² study area was 276 ± 33 (mean ± SE), with flock sizes of up to 22 individuals. The highest numbers were recorded in farmland habitat during the wet season (103 ± 24) and in woodland habitat during the dry season (93 ± 12). Population sizes varied significantly among four habitat types across seasons. The food resources differed significantly between seasons, with the available dietary components consisting of mainly insects (52%) during the wet season, and seeds (53%) during the dry season. Anthropogenic disturbances, including illegal hunting and egg collection, are common practices in the study area, posing a threat to local populations of the species. Research efforts are essential to monitor population trends of this popular gamebird, while conservation efforts should focus on reducing the threats and maintaining adequate foraging habitats.