Species similarity index
Simpson Similarity Index value showed a considerable overlap of species
between open grassland and natural forest habitats (SI=0.88). The
similarity was lower in between open grassland and plantation (SI= 0.5)
as well as between Plantation and natural forest (SI = 0.5).
Major threats to mammals of Yotyet/Yewezera
forest
Field observations have showed that human activities such as illegal
logging of trees for fuel wood, extraction of construction materials,
grazing by livestock, human encroachment, were putting an enormous
strain on the diversity and abundance of mammals in the study area.
Anecdotal interview survey of the local people on their knowledge and
attitudes towards the wildlife, their habitat conservation and threats
to the study habitat were employed to six individuals available in the
study area during the study period. The study participants were Gedebe
kebelle officer (2), Eza woreda environmental protection office (2) and
landowners (2) in the study area. All of them were males and had
knowledge of the animals living in the area. They also showed positive
attitudes for the conservation of the area. The study participants,
showed interest to participate in the conservation of the area.
Currently, the forest is given to one of the local church named Atirfo
Giorgis to be conserved.