Features of the use of ungulates by oxpeckers (Buphagus) in central Kenya

A detailed multi-year observational study of Red-Billed (RB) oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) and yellow-billed (YB) (B. Africanus) occurrence on a range ungulate species was performed in two Kenyan national parks. Surprisingly observation over 2100 individual Kongoni, group sizes 1 to > 50, revealed total absence oxpeckers, either species, Kongoni (Alcephalus buselaphus: subfamily Alcephalinae) Nairobi National Park (NNP), although it one the most common bovid present. There is no population A. buselaphus at second site central Kenya, Lake Nakuru (LNNP). By contrast, Impala (Aepyceros melampus), smaller whose taxonomic status phylogenetically ambiguous, but widely considered have evolved relatively recently Africa, frequent host both NNP (29% animals observed) LNNP (12.9% observed. Two gazelle Thompson’s (Gazella rufifrons)) Grant’s (G. granti), Gazellinae, which were present parks low abundance, also not observed oxpeckers. The reason for these subfamilies, apparently being utilized as hosts unclear requires further research.