Understanding the extent of human–primate conflict in areas where habitat overlap reaches at maximum level between local farmers and primates is crucial to developing conservation and management ...strategies. One of the threats of southern geladas (
Theropithecus gelada obscurus
) is conflict with the local farmers due to cereal crop raiding. This study was carried out to compare the intensity of human–gelada conflicts and the attitude of local farmers toward the conservation of geladas among local communities neighboring Borena Sayint National Park (BSNP) and an unprotected site far from the BSNP. Data from 356 randomly selected respondents were collected using questionnaire interview method. Overall, 92.13% of the respondents considered southern geladas as cereal crop pests. Those major complaints against geladas did not differ significantly between the two study sites: crop raiding (
p
= 0.435) and competition with livestock for pasture (
p
= 0.990). Overall, 61.78% of the respondents surrounding the Park had positive attitude while 60.00% from the unprotected villages had negative attitude toward geladas, and the difference was significant (
p
< 0.001). Most of the respondents from both sites had labor bottleneck and station themselves in the sites to guard their cereal crops from being raided by southern geladas. Respondents from the Park boundaries had more interest on the conservation of geladas than those respondents from the unprotected site (
p
< 0.001). Conservation education program and better human–gelada conflict mitigation measures should be taken to change the negative conservation attitude of local famers toward the southern geladas.
Economic growth and development in developing countries often involves land-use changes which fragment natural areas, bring humans and wildlife into closer proximity and escalating human- wildlife ...conflicts. Human-wildlife conflicts impose huge costs on local people and their livelihoods. Balancing developmental activities with the conservation of mega fauna such as the African and Asian elephants (Loxodonta Africana, Elephas maximus; respectively) remains problematic. Understanding the reasoning upon which perceived risks and level of human- elephant conflict laid is critical to address societal or cultural beliefs in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. The perceived risks and level of conflict have to be properly addressed for effective planning and implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies. We studied human- elephant interactions in Chebra Churchura National Park Ethiopia (CCNP) from September 8 to October 28, 2022 and collected baseline data on human perceptions of conflicts in an area where elephant populations are increasing. To complete our study, we surveyed 800 household from 20 villages adjacent to the CCNP. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the relevance of the existing human-elephant conflict (HEC) with the attitude of local communities towards elephant conservation, the park management and perceived effective mitigation techniques. The local communities trust in the implementation of different traditional mitigation techniques is generally weak. The households interviewed were less positive towards the effectiveness of most of the traditional techniques in chasing elephants away from their farm lands. They believed that elephants had already adapted and do not respond to most of these techniques. Against the above perception in exception of their usual absence and late arrival, perception of local communities about shooting warning gun by park scouts is among the most accepted effective methods in chasing elephants from their farm lands. The majority of respondents believe that separation of elephants and humans by constricting barriers is the best solution to the problem. The idea of constructing barriers such as electric fence; ditch or concrete wall and blocking corridors between the Park boundary and the villages have become the most popular idea of local communities followed by relocating people to other safer places, as the best protection method against the elephant attack irrespective of the associated initial and maintenance costs.
Studying the dietary flexibility of primates that live in human‐modified environments is crucial for understanding their ecological adaptations as well as developing management and conservation ...plans. Southern gelada (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) is an endemic little‐known subspecies of gelada that inhabits human‐modified landscapes in the northern central highlands of Ethiopia. During an 18‐month period, we conducted this intensive study in an unprotected area of a human‐modified landscape at Kosheme in Wollo to investigate the feeding ecology of southern geladas and their dietary responses to seasonal variations. We quantified the monthly and seasonal diet data from a band of southern geladas using instantaneous scan sampling method at 15‐min intervals, and green grass phenology and availability using visual inspection from the randomly selected permanent plots. The overall average diet of southern geladas at Kosheme constituted grass blades 55.4%, grass undergrounds 13.2%, grass bulbs 5.6%, grass seeds 5.4%, herb leaves 4.0, fruits 7.3%, and cereal crops 5.6%. Grass blade consumption increased with increasing green grass availability, while underground food consumption increased with decreasing green grass availability, and vice versa. Southern geladas spent significantly more time feeding on the grass blades and herb leaves and significantly less time on bulbs during the wet season than the dry season. Underground grass items (rhizomes and corms) were not consumed during the wet season, but made up 22.3% of the dry season diet. Thus, although grass blades are staple diet items for geladas, underground diet items are important “fallback foods” at Kosheme. Our result shows insights into the dietary flexibility southern geladas adopt to cope with human‐modified landscapes of the north‐central Ethiopian Highlands. Thus, the study contributes to a better understanding of how changing environments shape primate ecology and evolution.
Studying the dietary flexibility of primates that live in human‐modified environment is crucial for understanding ecological adaptations. We conducted this intensive study in an unprotected area of human‐modified landscape to investigate the dietary responses of southern geladas to human disturbances and seasonal variations. The study contributes to a better understanding of how changing environments shape primate ecology and evolution.
Local perceptions about rodents and the damage they cause and management practices are the first step to design and implement rodent control programs. A study was conducted to obtain information ...about the perceptions and practices of farmers in Wenchi highlands on rodent damage and their management practices in the late-2020 and early 2021. Farmers (n = 383) from four highland villages of Wenchi district were randomly selected and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Rodents were identified as major pests and perceived negatively among farmers. Arvicanthis abyssinicus (Rüppell), Mastomys natalensis (Smith), Mastomys awashensis (Lavrenchenko, Likhnova & Baskevich), Hystrix cristata L., and Tachyoryctes splendens (Rüppell) were the potential rodent pest species in the study area. There were significant variations in the type of damage (χ2 = 112.698, df = 3, P<0.05) and crop type susceptibility to rodent pest attack (χ2 = 143.26, df = 3, P<0.05). Crop damage (38.7%) and damage to human properties (27.9%) were the two dominant rodent-related problems in the area. Barley was the most susceptible crop to rodent attack (57.5%). The occurrence frequency of rodent pests and crop damage between the cropping stages also varied significantly. Most damage to barley crops (42.5%) occurred during the maturation stage. Farmers assessed rodent damage by observing damaged seeds, damaged stores, and rodent droppings in the storage and stem cuts of standing crops in the crop fields. The farmers stated that managing rodents in barley crop fields is practically impossible. In storage, farmers mainly use cats (53.73%) and trapping (22.64%) to control rodents. Detailed on-field rodent damage assessment and community education for rodent management are recommended.
Little is known about the effect of anthropogenic habitat disturbances on the group size and population structure of geladas (Theropithecus gelada), even though such data are crucial to implementing ...successful conservation actions and management plans. In this study, we compared the group size and composition of gelada populations inhabiting protected (Borena Sayint National Park) and unprotected habitats that experience different levels of human disturbances in Wollo, Ethiopia. We collected gelada population data using the total count method to determine the population number and to examine the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on the group sizes and social systems (band, all-male unit (AMU), or one-male unit (OMU)) of geladas. Overall, we counted a total of 2786 individuals of geladas belonging to 59 groups in both protected and unprotected habitats. The mean band size of geladas in the protected habitat was 81.6 individuals, while it was 40.1 in the unprotected habitat. In the protected habitat, the mean number of adult males per group (including both bands and OMUs) was 5.7, while it was 3.1 in the unprotected habitat. In the protected site, the mean number of immatures per group was 21.5, whereas it was 10.5 in the unprotected habitat. Likewise, the mean number of adult females per group in the protected habitat was nearly twice that of the unprotected site. However, the proportion numbers of age/sex compositions were not significantly different between the two habitats. In the protected habitat, the overall average adult male to adult female sex ratio was 1:5.1, while it was 1:4.8 in the unprotected area. The band size of geladas in the protected habitat was significantly and positively correlated with the altitude. Our study shows that geladas can withstand anthropogenically disturbed habitats by adjusting their band sizes to the optimal level. Such flexibility in group size is an adaptation strategy of geladas for maximizing foraging efficiency in response to broad grassland habitat losses and degradations. Although geladas are flexible in their population ecology, it is crucial to implement appropriate conservation measures to ensure their long-term persistence in the human-modified landscapes of the Ethiopian Highlands.
This study was conducted to determine the species composition and diversity of medium and large‐sized mammals from Lebu Natural Protected Forest, Ethiopia. Surveys were conducted to record mammals ...through direct observation and indirect evidence from three habitat types, namely: natural forest, bushland, and riverine forest. A total of 15 mammalian species were recorded. The species recorded were Papio anubis, Chlorocebus aethiops, Tragelaphus scriptus, Canis aureus, Crocuta crocuta, Panthera pardus, Procavia capensis, Colobus guereza, Sylvicapra grimmia, Orycteropus afer, Helogale parvula, Hystrix cristata, Lepus fagani, Potamochoerus larvatus, and Phacochoeus africanus. A total of 223 records of observations were compiled. About 74% of these records (N = 167) were obtained from direct sight, whereas the rest was recorded through indirect evidence. The dominant order recorded was order Primates (57.4%) followed by order Artiodactyla (17.5%) while the least record was order Lagomorpha (1.34%). The species richness varied across the stratified habitat types. However, there is no significant difference in Shannon–Wiener Index values between the habitat types. The species diversity of the study area was H′ = 2.119. The present study area is of great potential area for the conservation of the species. Long‐term detailed studies should be carried out for effective conservation and management initiatives in the study area.
Medium‐ and large‐sized mammals from Lebu Natural Protected Forest of Ethiopia were surveyed. The area will contribute to the conservation of the mammal species. Long‐term detailed studies should be carried out for effective conservation and management initiative in the study area.
This study was conducted in Farta district, south Gondar from 2019 to 2020 cropping years to identify rodent pest species and estimate damage caused on barley crops. Four independent barley crop ...fields (40 x 40 m each) were sampled randomly to estimate the loss. Two were located near Alemsaga Priority State Forest and the other two were away from the forest. Four (2 x 2 m) rodent exclusion plots were established at 10 m interval as control units in each selected experimental barley fields using fine wire mesh. Rodent pest species were collected using both Sherman and snap traps throughout the different crop growing stages. The damaged and undamaged barley tillers by pest rodents were counted on five 1 x 1 m randomly sampled quadrats for each selected experimental fields. Variations on pest rodent population between cropping years and sites were analyzed using Chi square test. The mean crop damages between cropping years and experimental field sites were analyzed using two way ANOVA. Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Mastomys natalensis, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Mus musculus, Lophuromys simensis, Tachyoryctes splendens and Hystrix cristata were identified as pest rodents in the study area. A total of 968 individual rodents (427 in 2019 and 541 in 2020) were trapped during the study period. There was a statistical variation (X.sup.2 = 13.42, df = 1 and P<0.05) between trapped individuals of the two successive years. The crop fields near the forest were more vulnerable than away from the forest during both cropping years. Statistical variations was observed on mean crop losses between cropping years and experimental barley crop sites. The highest crop damage was seen at maturity stage and the lowest during sowing in all experimental plots and cropping years. The percentage of barley yield loss due to rodent pests was 21.7 kg ha.sup.-1 . The monetary value of this yield loss was equivalent to 4875 Birr (121.9 US$ h.sup.-1). Alemsaga Forest as shelter and conservation strategies like free of farmland from livestock and terracing for soil conservation have great role for the high rodent pest populations in the study area. Field sanitation, trapping and using restricted rodenticides like zinc phosphide are the possible recommendation to local farmers against rodent pests.
The present study was carried out to describe the species composition, diversity, distribution, and species richness of endemic frog species in the Keffa area, southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected ...during the wet and dry seasons from 2018 to 2021. The survey was conducted through visual encounters, opportunistic observations, and acoustic encounters. Drift fence and pitfall trap methods were employed to capture frog species. Endemic anurans were investigated in three habitat types: wetland, agricultural land (enset vegetation), and riverine forest. From a total of 3672 person field hours, 2951 individuals belonging to 13 species such as Leptopelis susanae, Leptopelis ragazzii, Leptopelis vannutellii, Hemisus microscaphus, Afrixalus clarkei, Afrixalus enseticola, Paracassina obscura, Phrynobatrachus inexpectatus, Phrynobatrachus minutus, Xenopus largeni, Ptychadena beka, Ptychadena erlangeri, and Ptychadena neumanni were captured. Among these, Leptopelis susanae and Xenopus largeni were recorded for the first time in the study area. Arthroleptidae, Hyperoliidae, and Ptychadenidae families were the most represented, with three species each. The family Pipidae represented the least number comprising only one species. Agricultural land had the highest values for Shannon index (1.401), followed by riverine forest (1.182) and wetland (1.14) although species richness is highest in the wetlands. More endemic frog species were recorded in agricultural habitats, so local communities should continue to cultivate crops like enset plantations. The Keffa area is rich in endemic frog species, accounting for 34% of the country's frog endemism. Five of the thirteen identified endemic species have been identified as threatened by IUCN Redlist status. As a result, we propose that local communities, district and regional officials, and non-governmental organizations working in and around Keffa focus on wetland and forest conservation and protection.
The study was conducted to assess the species composition, population size, public knowledge, and threats to Galliform birds in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley, Southwestern Ethiopia. Data were ...collected from January 2018 to December 2020, covering both the dry and wet seasons. The study area was classified into four habitat categories: farmland, forest, grassland, and riverine areas. A line transects survey and point count routes were employed in the open habitats and dense habitats, respectively, to collect data. The species’ composition and relative abundance of Galliformes were estimated by timed species counting and encounter rates. To assess public knowledge and threats, direct inventories, questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and informal communications were employed. Three Galliform species, namely, Clapperton’s Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni), Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris), and Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus), were recorded in the area. The Helmeted Guineafowl were abundant (66.83%), Clapperton’s Francolin was common (30.14%), and Stone Partridge was a rare (3.03%) species. The population size of Galliformes recorded in the area was 461 during the dry season and 365 during the wet season, with a mean population size of 124.5 ± 11.5, 276 ± 33, and 12.5 ± 3.50 individuals of Clapperton’s Francolin, Helmeted Guineafowl, and Stone Partridge, respectively. The recorded flock size of Galliformes ranged from 1 to 22 individuals per flock. There was a statistically significant difference (F = 90.06, df = 3, and p<0.05) in the population size of Galliformes between habitats, where the highest mean was recorded in the farmland (141.5 ± 7.5) and the lowest in the riverine (61.5 ± 43.5) habitats. The majority of the respondents (86.36%, n = 286) have prior knowledge and awareness about guineafowl and francolin species. They use these species mainly as a source of food (55.06%), eggs and meat consumption, a source of income (28.48%), and other values (16.45%), including foster-rearing and medical practices. In addition, guarding, trapping, scarecrows, and related crop raid protection measures were employed in the area to protect crops from crop damage by these birds. Although there is factual public understanding and a positive attitude towards Galliformes in the study area, habitat destruction and loss, agricultural intensification, overgrazing, fire, fuelwood collection, agrochemicals, and hunting and egg collection were observed as major threats affecting the species and their habitats. Further research and community-based conservation interventions are, therefore, essential to thoroughly monitor the population trends of Galliformes and maintain their habitats in the region.
Primates show dietary flexibility as a result of spatial and temporal variation in the food availability which in turn influences the ecology of a species. Southern geladas (Theropithecus gelada ...obscurus) are endemic subspecies of gelada that inhabit in north central Ethiopian Highlands. During the 18 months of the first intensive study period, we examined the feeding ecology of southern geladas and their dietary responses to seasonal variations in an Afroalpine ecosystem, Borena Sayint National Park, an important site for the conservation of biodiversity in the north central Ethiopia. We collected monthly diet data from a band of southern geladas using instantaneous scan sampling method, and monthly temporal changes in green graminoid leaves and/or forb availability data using visual inspection from the randomly selected plots. The overall diet of southern geladas at Keywasha consisted of 54.4% graminoid leaves, 9.4% graminoid underground, 9.0% graminoid seeds, 17.0% forb leaves, 7.4% forb underground and 1.5% invertebrates. The diet of geladas exhibited wide variability across months. Southern geladas spent significantly more time feeding on the graminoid leaves, and significantly less time on the graminoid and forb underground diet items during the wet season than the dry season. Graminoid leaf consumption was significantly positively correlated with monthly increment of green graminoid leaf availability. By contrast, there was a significant increase in the consumption of graminoid underground when monthly green graminoid leaf availability becomes low. The result shows that southern geladas adapt seasonal shifts in their diet consumption as staple foods changed temporally in the Ethiopian Afroalpine ecosystem. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the dietary flexibility of primates in response to local environment conditions that may shape primate ecology and evolution.
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