2.4 | Data collection
Diurnal linetransect is costeffective method for surveying medium and large vertebrates (Legese et al ., 2019).Indirect survey technique was also employedfor the difficult topography and effectively census elusive and nocturnal large mammals (ZerubabelandZerihun, 2020). So, combining diurnal linetransect with indirect surveys (including fresh tracks, scats, hair, horns, spines, burrows and digging) can enhance the detectability of themammalian and maximize species lists (Larsen, 2016). A survey was conducted for 18 days /126 hours, when the activities of mammals are more active; in the early morning (06:30 to 10:30) and late afternoon (Legese et al., 2019; Tilahun and Merewa, 2020).
During data collection, the researchers were walking on foot along the pre-established line transect and directly count all the individuals sighted with their respective species using unaided eyes and/or binocular. To minimize disturbance during counting, silent movement followed by 3 to 5 minutes waiting period was allowed.Each encountered species of large and medium sized mammals was identified in the field using Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (Kingdon, 1996) and “Atibiwoch” (Yirga, 2008).Mammals weighting between 2 and 7 Kg were considered as a medium sized while, weighing above 7 kg were considered as large mammals as applied by (Sutherland, 2006). A total of 8 randomly laid transect line were established to count the sighted mammals and to recorded indirect evidence of the animal signs in the area. This study was also increased with key interview and direct site observation to assess the major threat ofmammals in the area (Abu, 2011).