structure démographique et mouvements saisonniers des populations d'hippopotame commun, Hippopotamus amphibius Linné 1758 dans la zone sud soudanienne du Burkina Faso

Abstract

The study was conducted in the "Mare aux Hippopotames" Biosphere Reserve of Burkina Faso and aimed at assessing the number, age structures and seasonal mobility of Hippopotamus amphibius. Methodology used was based on three consecutive-year (2006-2008) monitoring and ground inventory inside and outside the reserve. The results of the inventories have led to the identification of 41 hippopotamus in 2008 versus 35 in 2006 which are divided into 3 distinct herds. The structure in age group of that population was composed of 32 were adults, 5 sub-adults and 4 juveniles. Location of places where they take a rest varies with the level of the water in the pond. The inventory has identified eight sites on each side of the pond as used by hippos to harvest food. In addition, exploration of the reserve has identified four temporary ponds located near the water meadows used by hippos during the rainy season. These areas were surrounded by agricultural fields that were often raided by these mammals for food. It is urgent to establish agricultural zoning and to grant a special conservation status to the four additional ponds to minimize conflicts between humans and hippopotamus. Finally, local participation in conservation activities is probably greatly responsible for an increase in the size of the hippo population. © Théophile Ollo Dibloni, Cédric Vermeulen, Wendengoudi Guenda et Millogo Nicolas Alfred.