The status and feeding ecology of Menelik’s bushbuck (Tragelaphusscriptusmeneliki, Neumann, 1902) in Wof-Washa Forest, North Shoa, Ethiopia

The status and diet of Menelik’s bushbuck (Traglaphusscriptus meneliki) in the Wof-Washa Forest (WWF), central highlands of Ethiopia were studied from January-August, 2013. The highland forest was classified into three habitats, the Natural forest, Plantation and Erica woodland. Transect line count and direct observation procedures were used to record the population size and diet of the species, respectively. A total of 64 and 72 Menelik’s bushbucks were counted during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The population was dominated by adult individuals (65 and 63% during the dry and wet seasons, respectively) and the sex ratio biased towards females (1:1.65). The highest number of animals was counted in transects sampled from the natural forest. A total of 22 plant species of all growth forms were identified as a source of food for Menelik’s bushbuck and young leaves were the most used (64%) plant parts. Designating wildlife conservation area, at the regional or federal level, is recommended to conserve the unique highland forest island and to ensure the survival of the isolated endemic antelope population.