Data: Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) food sources, habitat selection and threats in riverine wetland habitats, Uganda

The Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii Speke, 1863), the only remaining wetland specialist antelope in Africa, is among antelopes with the fastest declining populations. Knowledge of Sitatunga ecology is vital to the management of the remaining populations, particularly outside protected areas. We examined Sitatunga food sources and habitat selection in a riverine wetland in Uganda. We also assessed local community perceived threats to Sitatunga. We selected three sites/blocks; marshes, vegetation transition between marshes and savanna, and cultivated block. We laid 34 plots (1 ha) along three 10 km transects in the blocks to record food resources and indices of Sitatunga presence. We used binoculars and physical sightings to record Sitatunga and their activities from tourist towers. A questionnaire survey was used to assess Sitatunga threats. We found 39 plant species eaten by Sitatunga of which 58% were in marshes, 36% in the transition, and 6% in the cultivated block. Marshes harboured more Sitatungas than the transition and cultivated block. Local people revealed that poaching (68%) and wetland degradation (33%) are major threats to Sitatunga. To ensure wetland integrity and stability of Sitatunga population, conservation organizations need to reduce the species threats, especially poaching and agricultural encroachment on wetlands