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Assessment of large mammals potential in Tululujia Wildlife Reserve, Southwestern Ethiopia

Belete Tilahun1*, and Melese Merewa2
Published 17-12-2016

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.22573/spg.ijals.016.s12200070

AUTHOR AFFILIATION

1Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Wolkite University, P. O. Box 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia. 2Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Wondogenet, Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT

Ethiopia is among the world best biodiversity area in terms of richness and endemism of mammalian species. Although, the mammalian fauna is deteriorating rapidly, no comprehensive assessment and documentation including endemic fauna exists until now. This study was carried out to assess the population size, distribution, density of large mammals and threat, between June 2014 and February 2015 in Tululujia Wildlife Reserve. The study was conducted by stratification of the study area into natural forest and wooded grassland. The transect line sampling method that was laid in random fashion in each habitat types was used. Direct count method along sample transect lines was conducted to assess population size and distribution of mammals. And direct site observation and key informant interview. The totals of 19 species of large mammals were recorded in the study area. Mammalian composition and abundance varied in different habitats and seasons. Mammalian distribution was significantly higher in forest than wooded grassland. It was also higher during dry season than wet season. The Wild pig, Warthog and Colubus monkey, Vervet monkey, Chino monkey were commonly observed mammals, while African elephant and Leopard were the least frequently observed species. Poaching, encroachment by agricultural, and settlements and deforestation observed in the areas, causing enormous pressure on the flora and fauna. The area needs immediate measures like better protection for the conservation of mammalian diversity of this area on long run.

ARTICLE HISTORY

Received: Nov 2016 / Accepted: Nov 2016/ Published: Dec 2016

COPYRIGHT

© 2016 Skyfox Publishing Group. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Belete, T., & Melese, M. (2016). Assessment of large mammals potential in Tululujia Wildlife Reserve, Southwestern Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural and Life Sciences, 2(4), 80-86. doi: 10.22573/spg.ijals.016.s12200070.


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