Species Diversity, Abundance, and Habitat Association of Medium and
Large-Sized Wild Mammals in Gelama Block of Arsi Mountains National
Park, Southeast Ethiopia
Abstract
This study assessed species diversity, abundance, and habitat
association of medium and large-sized mammals in the Gelama block of
Arsi Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia. The study covered two
seasons extending between February and August 2020. Based on the
vegetation cover and topographic variation, the study area was
stratified into four habitat types. A total of 74 transect lines were
systematically established, 14 for Afroalpine, 26 for Ericaceous, 18 for
Natural forest, and 16 for Mixed plantation. The survey for mammals was
done by walking on foot along each transect. A total of 25 medium and
large-sized mammals were recorded, including globally threatened and
endemic mammals like Canis simensis and Tragelaphus buxtoni. Results
showed a significant difference in the abundance of medium and large-sized
mammals among the four habitat types: dry (χ2 =126.256, df =3, P=0.000)
and wet (χ2 =74.822, df =3, P=0.000) seasons. During the dry season, the
highest and lowest species diversity was recorded in the natural forest
(H’=2.488) and mixed plantations (H’=2.154). During the wet season,
ericaceous vegetation sheltered the highest diversity of mammalian
species (H’=2.224), while mixed plantation forests inhabited the lowest
species diversity (H’=1.788). The presence of food, cover, and water
availability were the main factors for the differences in species
diversity and abundance across the habitats. Phacochoerus africanus was
the most abundant species during the dry (16.89%) and wet (18.81%)
seasons. However, Felis caracal (0.14 during dry) and Panthera pardus
(0.36 during wet season) were the least abundant species recorded.
Occurrence of abundant species was associated with their feeding habits
and physiological adaptation. Although the study area is home to
different species of mammals, including endangered and endemics,
livestock grazing and human encroachments are evident, putting strain on
flora and fauna. Hence, conservation measures should be taken to ensure
long-term conservation of the area.