The assessment on the causes of post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops was carried out in Dire Dawa Administration from March 2011 to December 2012 in the eleven randomly ...selected representatives Peasant Associations. Stratified and multi stage random sampling techniques were used to sample representative Peasant Associations and respondents (n=296). Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through questionnaire, focus group discussions, interview and observations. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics. Climate and weather conditions, harvesting and handling techniques, packaging, storage and transportation facility, market situation, dust from cement factory, disease and pest animals were recorded as major causes for post-harvest loss. The severe post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops mainly occurred during harvesting followed by marketing, transporting and storage. Poor quality equipment and materials usage caused tremendous mechanical, physiological and pathological damages on horticultural crops. To minimize losses, different traditional methods were practiced by the local community. The highest post-harvest loss was recorded for tomato (45.32%) followed by mango (43.53%), whereas the least post-harvest loss was recorded for coffee (15.75%). Post-harvest loss ranging from 20% to 50% was recorded in between marketing and consumption. This can be used as a good indication as all concerned bodies should aim for development of effective and efficient policies and strategies to solve existing problems.
Most of Ethiopia’s National Parks are affected by anthropogenic factors. The objective of this study was to assess the major wildlife threatening factors of Gibe Sheleko National Park (GSNP) through ...semi-structured questionnaire, focus groups discussion and observation. The survey was carried out from December, 2018 to August, 2020. A total of 281 randomly selected household heads from eight Kebeles and 15 Park management staff were interviewed. The identified threats include: overgrazing, expansion of human settlement and agricultural practices, fuelwood collection, source of food (bushmeat, fishes and wild honey) collection, invasive vegetation species, human induced fire, human-wildlife conflict and source of house construction materials. The majority (71.17%) of the respondents used the Park as means of grazing land followed by sources of fuelwood (48.26%). Crop raiding is a serious problem in the study area as stated by 84.46% of the respondents. Identified crop raiders include: olive baboon, vervet monkey, warthog, bushpig, porcupine, hippopotamus and antelope species. About 78.14% of the respondents stated that guarding was the most common type of crop raiders’ protection method. The majority (55.26%) of the respondents had positive attitudes towards conservation of the Park. Significant variation was observed in the types of natural resource utilization, types of human-wildlife conflict, trends of crop damage, population status of crop raiders, methods used to protect crop raiders and their attitudes towards GSNP conservation (P < 0.05). In general, GSNP is exposed to multiple conservation challenges. Therefore, for the sustainability of the Park, cooperation among different stakeholders is essential.
Understanding the impacts of climate change, landscape composition, topographic attributes, and anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife distribution is critical to selecting prior conservation areas ...and to executing successful management plans. Habitat suitability mapping aims to predict species' ecological niches and ranges using these factors as predictors. There has been no study of the potentially suitable habitat for the data-deficient Djaffa Mountains Guereza and the factors affecting its distribution in the Ahmar Mountains. The objective of this study was to predict the habitat suitability and distribution models of Djaffa Mountains Guereza in eastern Ethiopian highland under different climate change scenarios using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. We used 47 occurrence datasets assembled between 2020 and 2021 and 10 ecological predictor variables processed in geographical information systems and R software. We found that 133,604.52 ha (1.77%) of the 753, 0749.39 ha study area is suitable habitat for the Djaffa Mountains Guereza, of which 18,326.12 (13.33%) ha were highly suitable, whereas the remaining area was moderately suitable. Our models also showed that precipitation of the wettest quarter had the highest contribution to predicting the habitat suitability (65.90%), followed by land cover (17.40%). Habitat suitability was directly related to precipitation seasonality and the precipitation of the wettest quarter, while it is indirectly related to temperature seasonality and the temperature mean diurnal range. The models showed the overall gain in the suitable habitat of Djaffa Mountains Guereza under all future climate scenarios, however, the projected habitat distribution show fragmentation. Our habitat suitability and distribution models provide critical information for the conservation and management of Djaffa Mountains Guereza by recommending stocking of the fragmented forests, assessment of conservation challenges, and mitigations of climate change. A comprehensive population assessment throughout their restricted distribution is also crucial to understand conservation status and population size.
•Climate, coupled with land cover, is the main contributor to habitat suitability.•The predicted habitat distribution under changing climate shows fragmentation.•Various mitigation measures needs to conserve C. guereza in the Ethiopian highlands.
Dietary responses to the habitat heterogeneity resulting from anthropogenic disturbance vary among primates. Some species alter their foraging strategy and continue to thrive in human-modified ...habitats while others are unable to modify their diets sufficiently to cope with such disturbance. Over a 12-mo period, we investigated the feeding ecology of the Omo River guereza (
Colobus guereza guereza
), a subspecies of black-and-white colobus monkeys endemic to Ethiopia, in a large continuous forest (Munessa: LC group), a smaller modified continuous forest (Wondo Genet: SC group), and a tiny forest fragment (Aregash: F group). We found that the forest fragment had higher tree stem densities but lower overall tree basal area than the continuous forests. In all three forests, guerezas were mostly folivorous (LC group: 83%; SC group: 65%; F group: 62%) and consumed young leaves in accordance with their availability. However, in addition to these broad dietary similarities, there were several differences between forests suggesting strategies guerezas may use to cope with habitat heterogeneity in southern Ethiopia. We found that guerezas in anthropogenically altered forests relied less on mature leaves and more on whole fruits (F group) or flowers (SC group) than guerezas in large continuous forest (LC group). Guerezas also devoted large percentages of their feeding time to exotic species in disturbed forests (SC group: 49.0%; F group: 20.6%) but not in the large continuous forest (LC group: 0.0%). Lastly, guerezas in disturbed forests had richer diets (F group,
N
= 37 species, SC group,
N
= 32) than those in the large continuous forest (LC group,
N
= 27). Thus, our study found that within the folivorous dietary strategy of guerezas, there is considerable dietary variability among even neighboring populations experiencing different degrees of habitat fragmentation and degradation. This dietary flexibility may explain the relatively high tolerance of guerezas to human disturbance across their geographic distribution.
Reliable data on the distribution and threats facing primate species are crucial to identifying priority sites for conservation and designing effective management plans. Boutourlini’s blue monkey (
...Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii
) is a little-known arboreal primate endemic to the forests of western Ethiopia. This subspecies is categorized as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the distribution of extant populations is largely unknown. To increase our knowledge of the spatial distribution and conservation status of Boutourlini’s blue monkey, we carried out intensive reconnaissance surveys from January 2010 to May 2011 across approximately 40% of its potential range and conducted interviews with local people at each of the survey locations. We carried out geospatial analyses and mapped the distribution of Boutourlini’s blue monkey localities with respect to elevation, protected area status, and changes in forest cover over time using ArcGIS 10.4.0. Through our surveys, we discovered 30 previously unknown Boutourlini’s blue monkey populations in three administrative regions of western Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regions). A total of 34 different groups were sighted and counted at the survey sites, averaging 14.7 members (range 8–23) per group. There are now 32 Boutourlini’s blue monkey populations of recently confirmed occurrence at altitudes ranging from 1039 to 2780 m asl, seven in forests of greater than 50 km
2
. Crop feeding by Boutourlini’s blue monkeys was reported by people at seven sites and confirmed through direct observation at three of these sites. None of the known extant populations of Boutourlini’s blue monkeys occur within a strictly protected area (e.g., national park) where exploitative human activities are outlawed. A complete reassessment of the distribution and conservation status of Boutourlini’s blue monkey will require further surveys across the remaining approximately 60% of its potential range.
Geladas are the most distinctive of Ethiopian endemic mammals, representing the last extant species of primate genus that have a very restricted distribution in the northern Ethiopian plateau. The ...activity budget and feeding ecology of geladas (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) were studied around Abogedam Church, Ethiopia, from May to October 2014, encompassing dry and wet seasons. The scan sampling method was applied to collect behavioural data on the identified band. Activity scans were collected at 15-minute intervals for up to five minutes duration from 0700 to 1730 h. The activity recorded for each individual was the first activity that lasts for five seconds. During each scan, individuals were recorded as performing activities: feeding, moving, resting, playing, aggression, grooming, sexual activity, and others. On average, geladas devoted 57.19% feeding, 14.82% resting, 14.92% moving, 4.83% playing, 2.53% aggression, 4.14% grooming, 1.23% sexual activity, and 0.34% other activities such as vocalization, defecation, and urination. Forty-one plant species were consumed by geladas that belonged to 18 families of which 53.66% were grasses. This study provides basic information on further studies and motivates conservationists to plan the management of unprotected areas at the vicinity of agricultural lands where such endemic animals dwell.
Fruit bats serve as crucial bioindicators, seed dispersers, pollinators, and contributors to food security within ecosystems. However, their population and distribution were threatened by climate ...change and anthropogenic pressures. Understanding the impacts of these pressures through mapping distribution and habitat suitability is crucial for identifying high‐priority areas and implementing effective conservation and management plans. We predicted the distribution and extent of habitat suitability for Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus under climate change scenarios using average predictions from four different algorithms to produce an ensemble model. Seasonal precipitation, population index, land‐use land cover, vegetation, and the mean temperature of the driest quarter majorly contributed to the predicted habitat suitability for both species. The current predicted sizes of suitable habitats for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus were varied, on average 60,271.4 and 85,176.1 km2, respectively. The change in species range size for R. aegyptiacus showed gains in suitable areas of 24.4% and 22.8% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. However, for E. labiatus, suitable areas decreased by 0.95% and 2% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. The range size change of suitable areas between 2050 and 2070 for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus shows losses of 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The predicted maps indicate that the midlands and highlands of southern and eastern Ethiopia harbor highly suitable areas for both species. In contrast, the areas in the northern and central highlands are fragmented. The current model findings show that climate change and anthropogenic pressures have notable impacts on the geographic ranges of two species. Moreover, the predicted suitable habitats for both species are found both within and outside of their historical ranges, which has important implications for conservation efforts. Our ensemble predictions are vital for identifying high‐priority areas for fruit bat species conservation efforts and management to mitigate climate change and anthropogenic pressures.
The current predicted sizes of suitable habitats for Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus were varied, on average 60,271.4 and 85,176.1 km2, respectively. The change in species range size for R. aegyptiacus showed gains in suitable areas of 24.4% and 22.8% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. However, for E. labiatus, suitable areas decreased by 0.95% and 2% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. The range size change of suitable areas between 2050 and 2070 for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus shows losses of 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively.
A study on the composition and seasonality of rodent diet was carried out during 2020–2022 years in Chimit Kola to determine the type, relative proportion and seasonality of food items consumed. A ...total of 166 stomach contents that belong to six rodent species (Mastomys awashensis, Acomys louisae, Arvicanthis raffertyi, Lophuromys simensis, Gerbilliscus sp. and Lemniscomys macculus) were investigated. Parametric and non-parametric analyses of variance were used to test the difference. Leaves and stems, seeds, invertebrates, fruits and unidentified food matters were the food items identified in the stomach contents of rodents. There was a significant variation in food items consumed among rodent species. Arvicanthis raffertyi and L. macculus consumed more leaves and stems whereas L. simensis, A. louisae and Gerbilliscus sp. mostly fed on invertebrates. Mastomys awashensis consumed relatively more seeds (30%) than any other rodent species (ranging from 14 to 28%). Acomys louisae, L. simensis and Gerbilliscus sp. consumed more leaves and stems during the dry season and invertebrates during the wet season. Similarly, A. raffertyi consumed more leaves and stems during the wet season and seeds during the dry season. However, the diet of M. awashensis and L. macculus and some food items (fruits and unidentified food matters) of most rodent species were similar between seasons. Mastomys awashensis significantly consumed a higher proportion of seeds in the fallowland (44%) than in other habitats (ranging from 19 to 31%). Similarly, A. louisae and L. macculus consumed a significantly higher proportion of invertebrates in bushland (53%) and riverine forests (48%) than in other habitats (ranging from 16 to 47%), respectively. The present finding concluded that these rodent species are diet generalists, feeding on a variety of available resources depending on seasons and habitats. The study documents the diet composition of these rodent species for the first time. Thus, the management and conservation of these rodents should be in consideration of their feeding habits and factors that influence their diets.
Crop foraging is a widespread form of human-wildlife conflict adjacent to protected areas. It causes a great economic loss for subsistence communities hindering efforts in conservation endeavors. ...Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) occur both in the lowland and highland ecosystems of Ethiopia. The species is known for its crop foraging behavior across its ranges. However, little is known about human-hamadryas baboon interactions manifested in crop foraging in the Ethiopian highlands. Thus, this study aimed to provide data on the magnitude of hamadryas baboon conflict with the local community in and around Borena-Sayint National Park (BSNP), northern Ethiopia. We collected data from January to July 2018 using a questionnaire survey of sample households in the surrounding local communities. We analyzed the attitude and perception of the local people towards hamadryas baboons using descriptive statistics. Local people estimated that hamadryas baboons damaged 120.2 kg of crops/household/year in and around BSNP. The species caused the highest damage to wheat (45.1 kg), barley (25.5 kg), potato (24.7 kg) and maize (20.1 kg) per household per year. The respondents reported that hamadryas baboons, from all incidents of crop foraging, caused the highest proportion of damage during the vegetative (48.2%) and harvesting (33.9%) stages of the cultivated foods. Local people reported that crop foraging was significantly greater during the dry season than in the wet season. Respondents mainly depend on guarding (43.6%) and shouting (32.8%) to prevent their cultivated crops from the visit of hamadryas baboons. About 12% of the respondents who experienced crop damage killed hamadryas baboons in retaliation. The intense interaction between hamadryas baboons and humans may pose a serious threat to the survival of the species unless appropriate management actions are taken. The findings of this study are crucial for developing management plans and implementing successful conservation strategies.
Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) are key species in wetlands and feed mainly on zooplankton and macroinvertebrates. Little is known about the zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities of ...East African wetlands and the relationship with the abundance of greater flamingos. We aimed to investigate how the macroinvertebrate and zooplankton community fluctuated in relation to the variation of greater flamingo abundance in the Chelekleka, wetland, Ethiopia. Data were collected from May 2021 to February 2022, where monthly collections of zooplankton and macroinvertebrate samples were conducted at two predetermined sampling sites. The abundance of greater flamingos was recorded twice weekly. Different zooplankton (40 species) and macroinvertebrate (28 families) taxa were recorded in the wetland. Significant monthly variations in zooplankton and macroinvertebrate species richness and abundance were observed. The greater flamingos visited the wetland from December to February. The monthly abundance of greater flamingos varied significantly, with a maximum record of 154 in December 2021. The monthly abundances of most macroinvertebrates and some zooplankton were negatively correlated with the abundance of greater flamingos. This implies that the greater flamingo has a regulating effect on zooplankton and macroinvertebrate community structures. The Chelekleka wetland provides habitat for a diverse assemblage of zooplankton and macroinvertebrate taxa that attract populations of the greater flamingo and other migratory birds. However, anthropogenic activities threaten the wetland, which requires immediate conservation intervention to sustain the habitat and its aquatic communities.
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