The study on the population size and seasonal distribution of the Hunters' hartebeest alsornknown as Hirota (Damaliscus hunteri; Sclater, 1889), was conducted in southern Garissa,rnKenya for 6 months that included a dry and a wet season. Monthly ground counts of thisrnspecies were carried out in an area of about 12,000 km2 of its natural habitat. The specificrnobjectives of this study were to determine the current population size, its seasonalrndistribution, habitat preference and demographic compositions of the Hirota herds. Thernstudy showed the Hirota population in Southern Garissa consisted of about 1416rnindividuals. Vegetation specific observations of the Hirota individuals indicated a markedrnpreference for less wooded vegetation and relative avoidance of the densely woodedrnhabitats. These facts were more marked during the wet season. The chief characteristicsrnof its preferred habitats were shrubby-grasslands with low woody canopy cover.rnHowever, habitat preferences were different for the Hirota social classes, period of seasonrnand prominent activity patterns. The Hirota distribution in the different range units wasrnnot uniform during the dry season. Relative combination of green forages, vegetationrncover, livestock and human densities were the primary proximate cause of the Hirotarnseasonal distribution. These were largely determined by the temporal and spatial patternsrnof rainfall. The Hirota concentrated in ephemeral areas containing residual green foragesrnduring the dry season and dispersed randomly and uniformly when rain falls. The Hirotarngroup structure varied seasonally and locally thus indicating differential distribution ofrnsex and age classes. Apart from eco-climatic determinants of group sizes, other factorsrnsuch as the social class and male dominance influenced the Hirota herd sizes andrncomposition. Females constituted about 40.3% of the total Hirota observations. Relatively high proportion of young and yearling indicated a healthy growing population.rnThe study established the main threa ts of the Hirola to be sporadic hunting, predation,rnand competition from livestock, expanding human settlements and bush encroachment inrnits key habi tats.