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).