Abstract:
The study was carried out in Lake Nakuru National Park between the months of September 2004 and February 2005, to determine the ranging patterns and foraging behaviour of Hippopotamus. Direct visual observation technique was used for location and distribution. The relationship between grazing range and rainfall was highly significant (R2=0.900, F=36.184, D.F= 1, 4, P<0.005), grazing range increased with an increase in rainfall. In the wet months of September, October and November, they were found travel for upto 11 kilometres, foraging for up to 12.20 hours while in the dry months of December 2004, January and February 2005, this reduced to 4 kilometres foraging for 10.00 hours only. Nine grass species were identified in hippopotamus dung. The highest foraging Ration (FR) of 3.66 and Ivlev’s Electivity index (Ei) of 0.571 corresponds to Pennisetum clandestinum. Schoenoplectus sp. Themeda triandra and Spolobolus pryamidilis had negative values for Ivlev’s Electricity indices. Microhistological technique was used for dietary composition. The results rated Pennisetum clandestinum as the most preferred (8.02) by hippopotamuses, Panicum mezianum was rated second (7.90) then followed by Cyperus rigidifolia (5.90). Eragrostis racemosa was rated last (0.1)