3.2 | Distributional patterns and abundance
The distributional patterns of mammals were varied across the study
habitats. High number of species was observed in the scrub lands (7
species) followed by natural forest (6 species). However, a single
species was recorded in bar land habitats. Of the total species 5
(55.6%) species were observed in two of the three habitats, while 4
(44.4%) species were limited to specific habitat type. Specifically,
Ethiopian rock hyrax and Rabbit were only recorded from scrubland.
Similarly, Guereza and Spotted hyenawere exclusive to scrublands (Table
2). Among the 12 species of mammals, Guereza was the dominant mammalian
species followed by Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, and Ethiopian rock
hyrax, while, Common duiker, Rabbit, and Common jackal were the less
common species in the study area. Spotted hyena and Porcupine were
exclusively identified from indirect evidences (scat, spines, footprint
and vocalization) but the presence of Leopard, Serval cat and Bat-eared
fox (አፍን) were guaranteed by villagers. Regarding to the occurrence of
mammals based on their encounter rate/frequency of observation through
the study interval, Guereza and Vervet monkey were common. Only Olive
baboon was considered uncommon, while all the remaining observed mammals
were rare.
Table 2 Medium and large sized mammal species distribution, occurrence
and relative frequency observations during the survey
period(Key : * there presence is assured by the villagers’,- no direct observed)