Knowledge about antelope populations and their status is a key for conservation. In November 2019, we used distance sampling to perform a re-survey of the bovid species in Kasanka National Park, Zambia, with a focus on the puku (Kobus vardonii). Data collection and subsequent analyses were of the same design as in a previous survey in 2009–2010. This allowed for the direct comparison between survey periods, especially for the data collected in November 2010 and 2019. The estimated puku population size decreased from 5,038 (range 3,268–7,238) animals in 2009–2010 to 819 (range 250–2,708) animals in 2019, representing an 84% decline. Smaller group sizes were observed. Changes in population structure (decline in male abundance, fewer male groups) and spatial distribution (decline in population density, especially along the park boundaries) of puku showed signs of increased poaching activities in Kasanka National Park. Also, puku became more vigilant and demonstrated significantly longer flight distances in 2019 in comparison with 2010. A strong decline in puku in combination with clear signs of poaching, as well as the reduced species richness and sightings of other bovids, should become an agenda for long-term conservation of Kasanka National Park.

中文翻译：

---

赞比亚卡桑卡国家公园牛的数量下降令人震惊：以puku羚羊（Kobus vardonii）为例

有关羚羊种群及其状况的知识是保护的关键。2019年11月，我们使用距离采样对赞比亚Kasanka国家公园中的牛科物种进行了重新调查，重点是puku（Kobus vardonii）。数据收集和后续分析的设计与2009-2010年的上一次调查相同。这使得可以在调查期间之间进行直接比较，尤其是对于2010年11月和2019年收集的数据。估计的puku种群数量从2009-2010年的5,038只（3,268-7,238头）到2001年的819只（250-2,708头）。 2019年，下降了84％。观察到较小的组。普库的人口结构变化（男性数量下降，男性群体减少）和空间分布（人口密度下降，特别是沿公园边界的下降）表明，Kasanka国家公园的偷猎活动有所增加。此外，与2010年相比，puku在2019年变得更加警惕，并证明其飞行距离明显更长。