Feeding Ecology and Distribution Patterns of the Common Eland (<i>Tragelaphus Oryx</i>) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania

This study examined the feeding ecology and distribution patterns of Common eland (<i>Tragelaphus oryx</i>) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). Study conducted early in the morning (0600-1130 HRS) and late evening (1700-1830 HRS) in both wet (April) and dry (September) seasons, in 2020 and 2021, using field observations along pre-established plots for feeding ecology, transects for distribution patterns of the common eland crossed diverse representation of vegetation types. The eland's diet varied significantly between plant species grazed often grazing on <i>Chloris pycnothrix</i> and <i>Themeda triandra,</i> but rarely browsing on <i>Hibiscus aponeurus </i>and <i>Vachellia tortilis</i>. Eland distribution patterns were computed and mapped using ArcGIS Software, while diet composition was demonstrated using Generalised Linear Model (GLM) in R statistical software. The results illustrate that 92 % of elands were mostly chosen grassland, 2% preferred shrubland, 4.8% preferred woodland, and 0.7% used the forest. The distribution patterns of eland in different vegetation did not vary significantly with the season and vegetation types, as there was no ecological association between season and vegetation types. The study provides recommendations for vegetation management in favour of the feeding ecology of common eland because they cluster into all vegetation types, whereas grassland influences the feeding of eland. The few remaining vegetation types were browsed but also used as tree cover, a security advantage, and an ability to reduce exposure to predators.