Abstract
Aim : The objective of this study was to survey the species
composition, relative abundance and to determine major threats of medium
and large-sized mammals in Amoro Forest.
Method : Linetransects surveying and indirect surveys method
(including fresh tracks, scats, hair, spines and burrows) were used to
survey mammalian diversity. A survey was conducted in the early morning
from 6:00 to 10:00 and late afternoon from 16:00 to 19:00. Key interview
and direct site observationswere carried out to assess the major threat
of mammals in the study area.
Results : A total of 12 species of medium and large sized
mammals belonging to sex orders and eight families were recorded.
Porcupine (Hystrix cristata ), Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus
aethiops ) and Olive baboon (Papioanubis ) were among the
medium-sized mammals while, Spotted hyena (Crocuta
crocuta ),Leopard (Pantherapardus ) and Common duiker
(Sylvicapra grimmia ) were among the large sized mammals observed
in the study area. Shannon–Wiener Index values were low (H′ = 1.666)
whereas, the Simpson’s index (1-D) of diversity showed the highest
species diversity (0.761) in the study area. Illegal logging of trees;
overgrazing, agricultural activities and human-wildlife conflicts were
the foremost threats in the area.
Conclusion : Species richness and evenness were varied from
habitat to habitat in Amoro forest. Land degradation anddifferent
anthropogenicactivities were common threats for the mammals in the study
area. Community participation and awareness creation is very important
to limit the impact of anthropogenic activities threatening wildlife.
Key words : Anthropogenic activity, Conservation, Diversity,
Mammalssurvey