Yearly variations in spatial distribution of large mammals in a protected savannah ecosystem in West Africa

Abstract

Tropical savannah ecosystems exhibit high biodiversity, encompassing a range of megafauna, including elephants, lions, ungulates, birds, and insects. While substantial research has been conducted on the ecological dynamics of eastern and southern African savannahs, West African savannahs, particularly within the semi-arid Sudanian and Sahelian biomes, remain understudied. This study assesses the spatial distribution and habitat utilization of 15 large mammal species (mostly ungulates but also three primates and the elephant Loxodonta africana) in Comoé-Léraba National Park, southwestern Burkina Faso, over the period 2010–2018. Data collection employed line transect surveys to estimate ungulate populations, while the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) method quantified interannual variations in species occupancy. General Linear Models (GLM) assessed the effects of time and species identity on minimum occupied area. Results indicated no significant temporal variation in species distribution; however, species-specific effects suggested differential habitat preferences. Despite overall spatial stability, variations in poaching indices may have influenced localized species persistence. The reappearance of Loxodonta africana in 2018 underscores the necessity of protecting water-associated habitats and maintaining ecological connectivity. Findings emphasise the need for targeted conservation strategies to sustain biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic pressures in West African savannahs.